San Diego is about to feel the need. The need for speed.

And race car driver Michael McDowell is planning to bring it in 2026 when NASCAR takes over Coronado for a special series of races called “NASCAR San Diego.”

“It’s going to be, you know, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said.

McDowell, who won the 2021 Daytona 500, visited San Diego Tuesday to promote next June’s race and meet with some of his sponsors at K1 Speed Indoor Go Karts in Barrio Logan.

Coronado was chosen for the event to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U. S. Navy. The races will take place at Naval Air Station North Island.

The base was one of many San Diego area locations used in the shooting of Top Gun, the film in which star Tom Cruise uttered his iconic “speed” line.

NASCAR officials said San Diego w

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