Ford Unveils 12-Driver Roster for Inaugural Veterans Day Classic at Daytona

Key points

• The event takes place on November 11, three days after the NASCAR Cup Series season finale, at the 3.6-mile Daytona road course.
• Twelve drivers from various motorsport disciplines, including NASCAR, IMSA, and Formula 1, will compete in six teams representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
• The race consists of a 15-minute qualifying session followed by a 30-minute sprint, with cars featuring liveries inspired by specific military vehicles like the Abrams tank and F-22 Raptor.
• Proceeds from ticket sales and merchandise will benefit six nonprofits, including Blue Star Families, Camp Southern Ground, and Team Rubicon, via the Proud to Honor Fund.
• The event includes live musical performances by the Zac Brown Band, Russell Dickerson, and others, alongside celebrity appearances by Bryan Cranston and Adam Scherr.

Background

Ford first announced the event in June during the Naval Base Coronado race weekend. The initiative builds on Ford’s long-standing partnership with military communities and follows a 2025 benefit concert in Nashville. The event is a collaboration between Ford, NASCAR, IMSA, and Historic Sportscar Racing, aiming to create a new annual tradition for honoring service members.

How outlets are covering it

NASCAR.com and the Daytona Beach News-Journal focus on the core racing details and the inclusion of prominent Cup Series drivers like Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano. Sportscar365 provides deeper technical context, noting that Frankie Muniz is the only driver with prior experience in the Mustang Dark Horse R, and highlighting the diverse backgrounds of the competitors, such as Logan Sargeant’s F1 and WEC experience. Jayski emphasizes the entertainment aspect, detailing the production by Jesse Collins Entertainment and the specific nonprofit partners. All sources agree on the lineup and the charitable mission, but differ in their emphasis on the technical specifications of the cars versus the broader cultural impact of the event.

Why it matters

The event marks a significant cross-disciplinary collaboration in American motorsport, uniting drivers from NASCAR, IMSA, and other series in a single race. It also highlights Ford’s commitment to veteran support through a new charitable fund and a high-profile broadcast that combines racing with live music and celebrity appearances, potentially setting a new standard for post-season events in the industry.

What to watch

The event is scheduled for November 11, 2026. Tickets are currently on sale, with general admission starting at $110 and VIP packages at $305. The broadcast will air live on USA Network from 8 to 10 p.m. ET, with the race itself kicking off at 9 p.m. ET following a 15-minute qualifying session at 6:45 p.m. ET.