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Denny Hamlin Reacts to Rumored NASCAR Cup Series Street Venue in 2026

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Fardeen Ahmed | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 10:23 AM ET

NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin has welcomed the idea of San Diego being a possible street venue for the 2026 Cup Series season. If the deal is agreed upon, an official announcement is rumored for next month, marking the sport's return to Southern California.

After the California Speedway was shut down for renovation, NASCAR has been exploring other suitors to host a race in Southern California. Ultimately, the organizers deemed a street circuit the next best choice. Noting the success of the street race in downtown Chicago, the streets of San Diego could be on their way to hosting the Cup Series race in 2026.

Speaking about this on his Actions Detrimental podcast, Denny Hamlin embraced the idea of piloting his JGR No. 11 Toyota Camry on San Diego streets.

"I don't hate it," Hamlin said. "I certainly think that San Diego sounds like a place I'd like to go. I mean, sure, I guess."

Plus, the three-time Daytona 500 winner also revealed NASCAR's eagerness to add more street races to the calendar. Adding his choice, he recommended San Diego as the next host for their Cup Series street races.

"It seems like they're really in favor of street races out. So, if they're hellbent on it, San Diego seems like a destination to do that," the 44-year-old concluded.

Could San Diego be NASCAR’s next big street race destination?

According to The Athletic’s @Jordan_Bianchi, a deal is close to being finalized for 2026 — marking the league’s return to Southern California.

What do you think about NASCAR racing through more city streets? … pic.twitter.com/My6SMBPAXw
— ATYL Media (@ATYLmedia) June 18, 2025

Regarding the final deal, The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi reported that an official announcement is scheduled for next month. If it goes official, NASCAR will finally return to Southern California, which last hosted a Cup Series race in 2023 at Auto Club Speedway.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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