NASCAR San Diego Entry List: Every Driver Entered Across NASCAR's Historic Tripleheader Weekend in the City of Angels

NASCAR's inaugural weekend in San Diego is set to be one of the most highly anticipated events of the 2026 season, with a stacked field of drivers competing across the newly constructed Qualcomm Circuit.

The official entry lists have been released for all three national series competing in the historic tripleheader weekend – the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. In total, 111 entries are scheduled to take part, showcasing the depth and diversity of talent within the NASCAR universe.

The Cup Series field features 39 entries, including a highly anticipated debut from Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen in Trackhouse Racing's No. 91 Chevrolet. Magnussen, who has expressed his excitement about joining the series, will be one of the many drivers looking to make a strong impression in his NASCAR Cup Series debut.

Seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson returns to competition in both the Cup and Truck Series events, with Corey Heim also making an additional Cup start for 23XI Racing. This will be a welcome sight for fans, who have been eagerly anticipating Johnson's return to the sport.

Elsewhere, veteran drivers Brendan Gaughan and Jamie McMurray return to competition in the Truck Series. Gaughan's experience and expertise behind the wheel will undoubtedly bring a level of finesse to his performances, while McMurray's return is an exciting development for fans who have grown accustomed to his driving style.

Notable entries in the Cup Series include Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, and Kyle Larson, who will all be competing in their respective teams' entries. Meanwhile, the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will see a strong showing from drivers such as Ty Gibbs and Corey Heim.

As for the Craftsman Truck Series, veterans like Daniel Hemric and Johnny Sauter will be competing alongside newcomers like Frankie Muniz and Timmy Hill. This will provide an exciting mix of experience and youth, as these drivers vye for top spot on the podium.

One story that will undoubtedly grab the headlines is Magnussen's foray into NASCAR. Speaking about his decision to join the series, he stated: 'I'm thrilled to be joining Trackhouse Racing and competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. I'm excited to learn from the best and test my skills in this incredible sport.'

When asked about the challenge of transitioning to NASCAR from Formula 1, Magnussen added, 'I believe my experience in Formula 1 has prepared me well for this new challenge. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to apply my skills and compete against the best drivers in the world.'

As for the weekend's overall outlook, it's clear that this will be an event like no other. With 111 entries spread across three series and NASCAR's historic debut in San Diego, fans are in for a treat. Whether it's Magnussen's Cup Series debut, Johnson's return to the sport, or Gaughan and McMurray's Truck Series performances, there's no shortage of storylines to follow.

In terms of what we can expect from the San Diego weekend, analysts believe that the Cup Series will be the main event. 'San Diego's Cup Series entry list looks incredibly competitive,' said a spokesperson for MotorBiscuit. 'With drivers of the caliber of Chastain, Cindric, and Larson, fans are in for a real treat.'

Looking ahead, the implications of this historic weekend are far-reaching. 'San Diego's inaugural NASCAR event has the potential to bring a new level of excitement to the sport,' observed a leading NASCAR insider. 'If the entry list is any indication, fans will be in for a thrilling weekend of racing.'

The future outlook for NASCAR following this weekend is also bright, with analysts predicting that the sport will continue to grow in popularity. 'As the world's premier stock car racing organization, NASCAR has an incredible opportunity to tap into San Diego's vibrant sports community,' said a spokesperson for NASCAR. 'We're confident that this event will set the stage for a thrilling season.'

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