Ford Mustang Muscle, Racing Rivalries and Zac Brown Band Power Veteran’s Event at DIS

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Put 12 racing drivers in identically prepared Mustangs, give them 30 minutes on Daytona’s road course and put military bragging rights on the line.

Then hand the stage to Zac Brown Band.

That’s a Veterans Day salute with some horsepower.

The inaugural Ford Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic arrives at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, pairing a sprint for the checkered flag with a star-studded concert—and a purpose that reaches well beyond the grandstands.

For Speedway President Frank Kelleher, the venue is a natural.

“I personally can’t think of a better place than the World Center of Racing,” Kelleher said.

Daytona knows how to deliver a spectacle. This one puts those who serve at the center of it.

“Truly honoring the military has just been part of the fabric of NASCAR,” he said. “We’re really proud and excited to have the opportunity to host this inaugural event.”

And while appreciation anchors the evening, don’t expect the drivers to treat the racing as a ceremonial lap.

NASCAR champions, sports car specialists and competitors from across Ford Racing will buckle into Mustang Dark Horse R race cars for a 15-minute qualifying session followed by a 30-minute race on the road course used for the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

IMSA President John Doonan said the machinery gives everyone an equal starting point.

“The cars are all identically prepared,” Doonan said. “So it really is gonna come down to the drivers.”

His estimate for speeds on the backstretch? Close to 170 mph.

That should get everyone’s attention.

With only half an hour to sort out a dozen competitive personalities, the exhibition comes with plenty of potential for close racing. Asked whether fans might see drifting, Doonan offered a quick distinction.

“They may be sideways, but not intentionally.”

Six teams will represent the nation’s six military branches, giving fans a ready-made rooting interest—and drivers another reason to want the win:

• U.S. Army: Joey Hand and Brad Keselowski

• U.S. Marine Corps: Ryan Blaney and Ben Hobson

• U.S. Navy: Logan Sargeant and Ryan Preece

• U.S. Air Force: Frankie Muniz and Austin Cindric

• U.S. Space Force: Noah Gragson and Layne Riggs

• U.S. Coast Guard: Joey Logano and Ty Majeski

For fans accustomed to seeing these drivers compete in different series, the Classic offers a chance to watch them settle things in the same equipment, on the same track, with the same clock ticking.

The event’s path to Daytona began with an existing racing connection. Doonan said Historic Sportscar Racing’s annual Daytona Classic provided the opening, with Ford already taking a featured role in the historic racing celebration. Ford approached organizers about adding a Veterans Day tribute that evening.

The combination brought together racing history, modern Mustang performance and a salute with personal significance for Doonan. His grandfather, father, uncle and cousins served in the Navy. His father and grandfather also raced.

“It’s kind of a full circle moment for me,” he said.

He hopes children leave excited about seeing the drivers up close, while veterans and service members—whether watching at Daytona or from elsewhere—feel the appreciation behind the show.

According to Ford, that is precisely the point: a night built for military members, veterans and their families, wherever they serve, and for the nonprofits supporting them.

The celebration also comes with a way to turn that gratitude into practical help.

Ford has launched the Proud to Honor Fund, powered by GlobalGiving, with every dollar donated going directly to six nonprofit partners: Blue Star Families, Camp Southern Ground, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), Team Rubicon and the Travis Manion Foundation.

Half of ticket proceeds will also benefit Blue Star Families.

Ford describes the initiative as another chapter in a commitment spanning more than a century, from wartime manufacturing to support for veteran employment and military families. During America’s 250th birthday year, the Classic gives that commitment a national stage.

For Kelleher, it also gives the surrounding community a chance to show up, share a memorable evening and help fill the Speedway with appreciation for veterans.

The response inside Daytona’s own offices suggests the enthusiasm is already there.

“Where do I get tickets? How do I learn more?” Kelleher recalled of the staff reaction.

The concert lineup certainly helps answer the question of what to do after the checkered flag.

Zac Brown Band headlines the music festivities, joined by Russell Dickerson, Jo Dee Messina, Brittney Spencer and Warren Zeiders. From the race course to the concert stage, the evening promises to keep the volume up.

Could this first Classic become a Daytona tradition?

Kelleher hopes so, while noting that Ford owns the event and will determine its future. His team’s assignment is to give the inaugural edition every opportunity to succeed.

“We are approaching this with our sleeves rolled up,” he said. “We want to see it successful.”

First, though, there is a race to run, a stage to light and a military community to celebrate.

Twelve drivers will chase the checkered flag. The salute belongs to everyone who has served.

The race and performances will air live from 8–10 p.m. Eastern on USA Network, with streaming on the network’s TikTok account. Tickets and event information are available at FordVeteransDayClassic.com.