2026 Anduril 250 Preview: NASCAR Hits Naval Base Coronado for Street Race

After Denny Hamlin went to Victory Lane for the third straight week, NASCAR heads to ground never treaded before. This week, the best in the series will compete on a street circuit set up at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California, in the Anduril 250.

Though NASCAR has raced at a street circuit in Chicago for the past three years, this course in San Diego undoubtedly presents massive challenges for the entire field. Will Denny Hamlin somehow win four straight races, or can we expect to see NASCAR’s road course king, Shane Van Gisbergen, take the checkered flag?

Let’s dive in.

2026 Anduril 250 Entry List

In addition to the 36 charter entries, NASCAR has three open entries tagging along for this Naval Base race. Former Formula One driver Kevin Magnussen pilots the Project 91 entry for Trackhouse. Corey Heim will once again be behind the wheel for 23XI Racing. Finally, seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson will make an appearance in the #84 for Legacy Motor Club at a home-track race of sorts.

With the Anduril 250 marking the first Cup race at this circuit, we really don’t have a great idea of what to expect other than the conclusions we can draw from the Chicago Street Race. Expect the tight sections of the track to lead to lots of contact. I wouldn’t be surprised to see drivers struggle under braking as well, especially with how bumpy the track appears in simulations. I believe we’ll see the drivers ease into this race at the start before heating things up as the race goes on. Attrition, bumpers, and strategy ought to all come into play.

2026 Anduril 250 Race Predictions

When NASCAR raced at the Chicago Street Course for the first time, it was clear that Shane Van Gisbergen was better equipped for the race than anyone else. The Cup Series traveled to Mexico City for the first time last season, and the story played out the same. Things can happen on track, but Shane Van Gisbergen represents the easiest race winner pick of the season here.

SVG’s Trackhouse teammate Connor Zilisch may be the driver best equipped to challenge the #97 here at San Diego. The rookie desperately needs a good run after an abysmal start to his Cup Series career.

Really, the question is who comes in second. I remain thoroughly impressed with Michael McDowell’s road course finishes over the past few races. I expect the #71 to run near the front throughout the day.

I’m interested in seeing how Magnussen does in his first NASCAR start, but I don’t believe his open-wheel experience will translate well enough to make him a factor in this one.

Regardless of how much of a foregone conclusion this race may seem, I can’t wait to watch NASCAR’s best take on a new challenge. I’m expecting a fun one out in Southern California.

Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action this week!

Friday 06/19

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Practice – 11:00 a.m. CT on FS2

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – 1:00 p.m. CT on FS2

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice – 2:30 p.m. CT on the CW App

NASCAR Cup Series Practice – 4:00 p.m. CT on Prime

Navy 250 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 6:00 p.m. CT on FS1 and FOX ONE

Saturday 06/20

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying – 12:00 p.m. CT on the CW

NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 1:30 p.m. CT on Prime

United Rentals Driven to Serve 250 (NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) – 4:00 p.m. CT on the CW

Sunday 06/21

Anduril 250 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 3:00 p.m. CT on Prime and HBO Max

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