Ford Motor Company and NASCAR announced a multi‑year partnership that will debut on November 11, 2026, with the inaugural Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic. The ceremony will take place on the flight deck of the retired aircraft carrier USS Midway in San Diego, a symbolic backdrop that underscores the event’s focus on honoring those who have served.
The centerpiece of the celebration is a NASCAR race featuring specially liveried Ford Mustang Dark Horse R entries, followed by a concert headlined by the Zac Brown Band. The gathering will also showcase a limited‑edition Proud to Honor Super Duty package for the F‑250, F‑350 and F‑450 trucks, with a portion of each sale earmarked for Blue Star Families, a nonprofit that supports military families.
More Than a Race
Ford’s corporate strategy director, Nick Ford, described the initiative as a move beyond traditional philanthropy toward embedding the effort into the company’s identity. He noted that the partnership reflects a broader strategy to align the brand with values that resonate with veterans and their communities.
NASCAR Executive Vice President Tim Clark highlighted the symbolic power of announcing the program from the deck of a retired aircraft carrier, saying the venue "captures the spirit of service and the future of racing alike." The event is part of NASCAR’s push to expand its venue portfolio beyond traditional ovals, signaling a strategic shift toward more diverse storytelling.
Actor and Marine Corps veteran Rob Riggle, who hosted the announcement, praised the collaboration, stating that "the genuine support from these organizations makes a real difference for families who have sacrificed so much." His sentiment was echoed by Tim Clark, who emphasized that the success of the Classic will be measured not just by attendance but by its lasting impact on Veterans Day traditions and the support it provides to military families.
The partnership also extends to a network of veteran‑focused nonprofits, including TAPS, Team Rubicon, the Travis Manion Foundation and Disabled American Veterans. Together, these groups will receive funding and visibility through the event’s proceeds, reinforcing Ford’s long‑standing commitment to veteran hiring, military support programs and collaborations with organizations such as Blue Star Families and Disabled American Veterans.
If the inaugural edition proves successful, both Ford and NASCAR envision the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic becoming an annual staple, cementing a tradition that intertwines sport, music and philanthropy. The companies hope the collaboration will deepen their relationship and set a precedent for corporate‑driven tributes to the military community.