NASCAR could be heading back to Southern California in a big way. Word is spreading that the racing series is getting close to sealing a deal with San Diego for a street race in 2026. Several industry insiders are buzzing about these talks between NASCAR and city officials.
Southern California has always been crucial for NASCAR — it’s where the sponsors, teams, and TV executives want to be. But since Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., shut down in 2023, the region has been left without any real NASCAR action, leaving a massive hole in one of America’s biggest markets.
This San Diego deal could be huge. The city has never hosted a Cup Series race before, which would make 2026 a landmark moment. It’s exactly the kind of fresh start NASCAR needs to get back into Southern California after years away.
NASCAR Eyeing Southern California Return in San Diego
Nothing’s signed yet, but people in the know say things are looking good. There’s talk of an announcement coming soon if everything falls into place. Of course, both NASCAR and Sports San Diego are keeping their lips sealed about the whole thing right now.
But if this happens, it’s going to impact the current schedule. NASCAR already runs 36 points races plus a couple of exhibition events, so they’re pretty much maxed out.
Something’s got to give, and the smart money says it could be Chicago’s street race that gets the boot. Chicago’s contract runs out after 2025, according to Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic, so the timing works out perfectly.
NASCAR’s been playing musical chairs with its schedule lately. They’ve dropped races here, adding them there — look at what happened when they added Mexico City in 2025 and had to cut one of Richmond’s races. It’s all part of their push to get into bigger cities and grab new fans.
“NASCAR is working toward finalizing a deal to race on a street course next year in the San Diego area, multiple industry sources told The Athletic, which would return its premier Cup Series to the Southern California market after a multi-year absence.” https://t.co/k2SGJTFVBv
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) June 18, 2025
The street racing trend started with Chicago back in 2023, and despite some weather drama at the first race, it’s working out pretty well. NASCAR figured out that racing through city streets brings in tourists and gets people talking who might never set foot in a traditional speedway.
San Diego makes perfect sense when you think about it. You’ve got the ocean right there, downtown could make for an incredible backdrop, and let’s be honest — Southern California NASCAR fans have been waiting for something like this since Fontana closed its doors.
There are no reports of where they’d run the race yet, but the downtown area or somewhere along the waterfront could make for ideal locations.
More street racing means more excitement, and getting back into Southern California means getting back into one of NASCAR’s most important markets. If this deal goes through, it’ll show NASCAR is serious about mixing things up and going where the fans are.