Will Ford, general manager of Ford Performance and the great‑great‑grandson of company founder Henry Ford, spoke with FOX Business about the upcoming “Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic,” highlighting the race’s mission to honor both automotive heritage and military service.
Will Ford, the general manager of Ford Racing and the great‑great‑grandson of company founder Henry Ford, said supporting America’s veterans has long been “core” to Ford Motor Company’s identity. (FOX Business)
He traced the automaker’s commitment back to World War II, when Ford retooled its factories for the war effort, including the construction of the Willow Run plant in Michigan. “Supporting veterans communities has always been core to who we are as a company and something that my family has always deeply valued,” he remarked.
The inaugural race is scheduled for Nov. 11 at Daytona International Speedway, bringing together Ford, NASCAR, Blue Star Families, the International Motor Sports Association and Historic Sportscar Racing.
The event will take place on Nov. 11 at Daytona International Speedway and bring together Ford, NASCAR, Blue Star Families, International Motor Sports Association and Historic Sportscar Racing. (Ford Motor Company)
Six teams will each honor a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, competing in Mustang Dark Horse R race cars. The driver lineup features Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, Logan Sargeant, Noah Gragson, Frankie Muniz and Ben Hobson, according to Ford.
Each car will carry a special livery representing its designated military branch, a design Ford said should resonate with fans.
“Each car will have a special livery to reflect that branch of the military,” he noted. “… I think it’s something that the fans will love.”
Entertainment for the day includes a headline concert by the Zac Brown Band, with additional artists scheduled throughout the event.
Zac Brown Band will headline a concert during the event, with other artists also set to perform. (Ford Motor Company)
Daytona was selected for its iconic status in American racing, Ford’s deep ties to NASCAR and the strong military presence in the region, Ford explained.
“I can’t imagine anywhere more iconic in the United States to hold an event like this than Daytona,” he said.
Ford expressed hope that the race will become a recurring Veterans Day tradition, celebrating both the company’s automotive legacy and its dedication to service members.
“This is a very exciting evolution in terms of how we can execute this event and something that we hope lives on and becomes synonymous with Veterans Day and supporting our military community for many years to come,” he added.
Beyond the race and concert, Ford is launching the “Proud to Honor Fund” through GlobalGiving. The initiative will channel donations to organizations that support military members, veterans and their families.
Tickets for the Nov. 11 event are currently on sale, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Blue Star Families.
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