The NASCAR season ends on Sunday, Nov. 8, but multiple members of the Ford Racing family will compete a mere three days later as they take part in the Proud To Honor Veterans Day Classic.
Videos by FanBuzz
Part music festival, part racing event, and all fundraiser, the Proud To Honor Veterans Day Classic brings together six teams of drivers in 12 cars on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and pits them against each other.
These teams of drivers will each control Ford Mustang Dark Horse R's as they battle on the Daytona International Speedway road course. They will first take part in a 15-minute qualifying session before competing in a 30-minute race.
Each Ford Mustang Dark Horse R will have a livery highlighting a branch of the military and a driver with a connection to that particular branch. This includes the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
Photo credit: Ford Racing
This event, which will potentially continue into the future, is the result of a collaboration between NASCAR, IMSA, HSR (Historic Sportscar Racing), and Blue Star Families.
Ford Proud To Honor Veterans Day Classic Lineup
- Team Army - Joey Hand and Brad Keselowski
- Team Marines - Ryan Blaney and Ben Hobson
- Team Navy - Ryan Preece and Logan Sargeant
- Team Air Force - Austin Cindric and Frankie Muniz
- Team Space Force - Noah Gragson and Layne Riggs
- Team Coast Guard - Joey Logano and Ty Majeski
This event will also feature a jam-packed lineup of performers providing entertainment to the fans. The Zac Brown Band will be the headliner, as previously announced.
The other acts who will perform at Daytona International Speedway will be Russell Dickerson, Jo Dee Messina, Brittney Spencer, and Warren Zeiders.
Additionally, many actors and guests will make cameo appearances during the event. Some will remain a surprise, but the list includes actor Bryan Cranston and WWE icon Braun Strowman.
The Veterans Day event will help raise money to support multiple foundations. This includes Blue Star Families, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), Team Rubicon, and the Travis Manion Foundation.
Every dollar donated to the newly launched Proud to Honor Fund will go to these organizations supporting veterans, military members, and their families. Additionally, a portion of the ticket proceeds will go to the Blue Star Families.
Those unable to attend in person will be able to watch on multiple platforms. USA Network and the free Fandango streaming service will provide coverage between 8-10 p.m. on Veterans Day.
The entertainment segments will air live on E! and on TikTok LIVE at @e_entertainment, @usanetwork, and @usasports.
"For more than a century, Ford has stood alongside the people who serve our country and the families who support them," said Bill Ford, executive chair, Ford Motor Company.
"The Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic brings together racing, music and service to create a joyful new Veterans Day tradition that honors the entire military community."
Tickets are available for the event at FordVeteransDayClassic.com. The options include general admission (starting at $110) and VIP tickets (starting at $305). Those with a verified GOVX account will receive a 20% discount. Ticketmaster will also waive fees for the tickets.
