iRacing unlocks Qualcomm Circuit at Naval Base Coronado

iRacing unveiled a first look at the Qualcomm Circuit, a virtual recreation of the new San Diego street course at Naval Base Coronado, unlocking the layout for immediate play on its platform and publishing a preview with a virtual hot lap and onboard clip that users can race and study. Separately, NASCAR shared an onboard clip created in iRacing and presented it as both promotion for the San Diego event and a technical first look at the challenges drivers will face. The announcement did not include pricing or launch-promotion details.

The virtual footage highlighted features of the 3.4-mile, 16-turn temporary street circuit, including the Ellyson start/finish line, the Carrier Corner between two docked aircraft carriers, the Coronado Chicane at Turns 8–9, and Runway Road at Turn 14 by Runway 18/36 at Halsey Field. The simulation identified narrow sections, explicit passing zones and significant elevation changes, and showcased the Naval Base Coronado waterfront backdrop.

Construction began late last month, and scheduling reports differ: NASCAR has the event scheduled for June 19–21 as part of America 250 celebrations, while other media previewed the track ahead of a June 22 debut. All three of NASCAR’s national series are slated to compete on the new street course. The San Diego race is the third of four road or street courses on the NASCAR Cup calendar, following Circuit of the Americas and Watkins Glen and preceding Sonoma Raceway; fan reaction to the simulation clip ranged from excitement about a fresh urban venue to concern that tight and varied sections could limit overtaking and affect race flow.