Ford Racing announced its full 12-driver lineup Wednesday for the inaugural Nov. 11 Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic on the road course at Daytona International Speedway, three days after the end of the NASCAR Cup Series season.
The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) first announced the event in June during the NASCAR Naval Base Coronado race weekend. The event will benefit six nonprofit organizations supporting the military and veteran communities through the new Proud to Honor fund, powered by GlobalGiving. Half of the ticket proceeds will also benefit Blue Star families.
Six two-driver teams comprised of Ford competitors from various racing disciplines, including NASCAR, will honor the six military branches, with each Dark Horse R Mustang sporting a military-inspired livery. The teams and military branches represented are:
US Army: Brad Keselowski and Joey Hand
US Marine Corps: Ryan Blaney and Ben Hobson
US Navy: Ryan Preece and Logan Sargeant
US Air Force: Austin Cindric and Frankie Muniz
US Space Force: Noah Gragson and Layne Riggs
US Coast Guard: Joey Logano and Ty Majeski
“It’s going to be fun to have the opportunity to race on the Daytona road course and compete against other motorsport disciplines. There will be a wide variety of drivers,” Gragson said during a media call in September, shortly after being announced as one of the first confirmed competitors. “We’re going to raise a lot of money for a lot of good groups and organizations and just have fun. It will be televised, which is really cool, but also for those who are trying to get to the race track at Daytona, it will be an action-packed day and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Teams will compete in a 15-minute qualifying session followed by a 30-minute race around the 12-turn, 3.6-mile road course used annually for IMSA’s Rolex 24 at Daytona. NASCAR hosted paid races in the circuit’s three national series in 2020 and 2021, as well as the Cup Series preseason Clash race in 2021.
The race will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network with streaming available on Fandango. Entertainment segments, headlined by concerts by the Zac Brown Band and other musical acts, will air live on E!
Tickets for the event are available here through Ford and Daytona. Veterans and active duty military will receive a discount and all fees will be waived through Ticketmaster.
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