Jimmie Johnson to race at Coronado Naval Base in San Diego in NASCAR Cup Series

There will be a familiar face behind the wheel when NASCAR hits road at the Coronado Naval Base next year. Jimmie Johnson announced he’ll be driving in the inaugural event in the Cup Series.

NASCAR is bringing all three of its national series to the base in San Diego in 2026. The street course races will be held Father’s Day weekend — June 19-21 — celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.

“Excited to announce I’ll be participating in the inaugural [NASCAR San Diego] race in my home state next June!” Jimmie Johnson wrote on Twitter.

Johnson has numerous connections to both the area and the race. He described the chance to race in San Diego as a “bucket-list” item.

“Growing up just miles from San Diego, I dreamed about racing here in a NASCAR vehicle someday, but I never thought it would be possible,” Jimmie Johnson said in a press release. “I just came to the realization that there would be no way NASCAR could race in that city – as there would be nowhere to put a track. So, it’s just mind-blowing to me that NASCAR made this a reality.

“To come back home, compete in front of my community, the military, my family, and friends, and do it with Carvana and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, this is one of those full-circle experiences I will never forget. It’s a lifelong dream.”

Carvana will sponsor the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE that Jimmie Johnson will drive. It will unveil the paint scheme “in the near future.”

Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and the owner of Legacy Motor Club, will certainly bring some additional viewership to the event. He’s a fan favorite.

Because of that, the weekend is not just a return to competition for him. It’s also a celebration of his roots with the fans.

“When I think about everything this sport has given me and where it all started, being able to race in San Diego at this level feels like my career has come full circle,” Johnson said. “Starting out on two wheels racing motorcycles throughout the west coast and now being able to race on four in the same region is something I never thought I would see. Additionally, my grandparents were military and are buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery nearby the base, so it’s an honor to race there – this is going to be very special.”