Veterans Day Celebration
Daytona Beach will host a first-of-its-kind Veterans Day celebration when the inaugural Ford Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic comes to Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Created in collaboration with Ford, NASCAR, Blue Star Families, IMSA and Historic Sportscar Racing, this special event will combine an exciting exhibition race, live music and a meaningful tribute to America’s service members, veterans and military families.
Veterans Day Classic Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- Location: Daytona International Speedway
- Featured race: Ford Mustang Dark Horse R exhibition race
- Featured performers: Zac Brown Band, with additional artists to be announced
- Military ticket offer: Veterans and active-duty military members receive 20% off through GovX with verified military identification
Six Teams Honoring Six Military Branches
Six racing teams will compete during the Veterans Day Classic, with each team honoring one of the six branches of the United States Armed Forces.
Drivers will race head-to-head in Ford Mustang Dark Horse R race cars during a special exhibition created to recognize the service and sacrifices of military members and their families.
The announced Ford Racing driver lineup includes:
- Joey Logano
- Brad Keselowski
- Logan Sargeant
- Noah Gragson
- Frankie Muniz
- Ben Hobson
Additional drivers are expected to be announced as the event approaches.
Zac Brown Band Live at Daytona International Speedway
The celebration will continue with a headlining performance from Zac Brown Band. Additional musical artists are also expected to join the event.
Zac Brown has a long history of supporting service members, veterans and military families through performances for troops and his work with Camp Southern Ground.
The combination of racing, live music and military recognition will make this a unique Veterans Day experience for race fans, military families and visitors to Daytona Beach.
An Event Supporting Military and Veteran Families
The Veterans Day Classic is designed to provide more than entertainment. Ford is also establishing the Proud to Honor Fund, powered by GlobalGiving, to support six nonprofit organizations serving military members, veterans and their families:
- Blue Star Families
- Camp Southern Ground
- DAV
- TAPS
- Team Rubicon
- Travis Manion Foundation
A portion of the event’s ticket proceeds will also benefit Blue Star Families.
Tickets for the Veterans Day Classic
Early-bird general admission tickets were announced starting at $110, with a VIP Experience available starting at $305. Veterans and active-duty military members can receive 20% off through GovX after verifying their military identification.
Ticketmaster is waiving ticket fees for this event. Visit the official Ford Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic website for current ticket prices, event updates and additional announcements.
Stay Oceanfront at Max Beach Resort
Turn your Veterans Day celebration into an oceanfront Daytona Beach getaway at Max Beach Resort.
Our spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom residences provide plenty of room for couples, families and groups traveling together. Every residence includes a full kitchen, separate living area, washer and dryer, expansive private terrace and beautiful ocean views.
During your stay, enjoy:
- Direct beach access
- An oceanfront pool and jacuzzi
- Venn Bar
- Beacon Lounge
- A state-of-the-art Technogym fitness center
- Spacious residences accommodating up to four, six or eight guests
Max Beach Resort also offers a special rate for eligible veterans and active-duty military members.
Not eligible for the military rate? Everyone is welcome to experience this special Veterans Day celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Ford Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic?
The inaugural event will take place Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Is the Veterans Day Classic a NASCAR race?
It is a special exhibition race created in collaboration with Ford, NASCAR, Blue Star Families, IMSA and Historic Sportscar Racing. It is not a NASCAR Cup Series points race, but the announced lineup includes well-known NASCAR and Ford Racing drivers.
What cars will compete in the Veterans Day Classic?
The drivers will compete in Ford Mustang Dark Horse R race cars.
Which drivers are participating?
Announced drivers include Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, Logan Sargeant, Noah Gragson, Frankie Muniz and Ben Hobson, with more drivers expected to be announced.
Will there be a concert?
Yes. Zac Brown Band will headline the live-music portion of the event, with more performers expected to be announced.
Are military discounts available?
Veterans and active-duty military members can receive 20% off event tickets through GovX with verified military identification. Max Beach Resort also offers a special military lodging rate for eligible guests.
Where should I stay for the Veterans Day Classic?
Max Beach Resort offers spacious oceanfront accommodations in Daytona Beach, with one-, two- and three-bedroom residences ideal for couples, families and groups attending events at Daytona International Speedway.
