Sunset ceremony aboard the USS Midway, Ford F-250 and dignitaries on stage, military audience
Ford Motor Company and NASCAR are joining forces to launch a significant tribute to U.S. service members and their families. This initiative, taking place during America’s 250th anniversary year, includes a dedicated Veterans Day race, a limited-edition Super Duty truck package, and support for the nonprofit organization Blue Star Families.
The campaign was unveiled in San Diego aboard the USS Midway, with participation from actor and Marine Corps veteran Rob Riggle, representatives from Blue Star Families, the Zac Brown Band, and over 1,500 members of the local military community. Nick Ford, director of corporate strategy at Ford Motor Company, emphasized the automaker’s longstanding commitment to supporting the military.
Central to the campaign is the “Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic,” scheduled for November 11, 2026. This inaugural race will feature Ford Mustang Dark Horse R race cars and Ford Racing drivers, serving as a tribute to all six branches of the U.S. military. The event will also include a concert headlined by the Zac Brown Band.
Tim Clark, executive vice president and chief brand officer at NASCAR, stated that the partnership reflects a shared dedication between NASCAR and Ford to honor military families and veterans. “Being able to put a marquee event on a holiday like that… that’s kind of core to [what] NASCAR is,” he said. “… I think it’s a great way to bring that community together.”
In conjunction with the campaign, Ford is introducing a limited-edition Super Duty Proud to Honor package for F-250, F-350, and F-450 models. These trucks will feature distinctive red, white, and blue styling, dark exterior trim, and black wheels. A portion of the proceeds from these sales will directly benefit Blue Star Families.
Additionally, Ford Philanthropy will host a Ford Driving Skills for Life program for local military teens, focusing on developing crucial driving safety skills. This announcement follows Ford’s earlier “American Value. For American Values” campaign, which offered employee pricing on select new Ford and Lincoln vehicles to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
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