The Daytona Veterans Day Classic 2026 now has its full 12-driver lineup, announced by Ford Racing on October 28. Six two-driver teams will represent U.S. military branches at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, on November 11. They will race Ford Mustang Dark Horse R cars in the inaugural Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic.
As of October 29, the lineup, race format and broadcast arrangements are confirmed. However, the detailed on-site running order remains unannounced.
Who is racing in the Daytona Veterans Day Classic in 2026?
Ford has paired 12 drivers across six teams, with each car representing a different military branch. The complete Daytona Veterans Day race lineup includes Brad Keselowski, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano and Logan Sargeant.
According to the October 28 NASCAR lineup report, the pairings are:
| Military branch | Driver pairing |
|---|---|
| U.S. Army | Brad Keselowski and Joey Hand |
| U.S. Marine Corps | Ryan Blaney and Ben Hobson |
| U.S. Navy | Ryan Preece and Logan Sargeant |
| U.S. Air Force | Austin Cindric and Frankie Muniz |
| U.S. Space Force | Noah Gragson and Layne Riggs |
| U.S. Coast Guard | Joey Logano and Ty Majeski |
Each car will carry a branch-inspired livery. Consequently, the team identities extend beyond the entry list and onto the circuit.
The Ford Veterans Day Classic drivers are now confirmed, rather than an incomplete selection from earlier event previews. However, the announcements reviewed do not establish a detailed driver-change procedure or pit-stop schedule.
What cars will the drivers race at Daytona?
All six teams will race Ford Mustang Dark Horse R cars. Ford confirms the car and branch-based team structure in its official Veterans Day Classic announcement.
The shared model gives fans a clear reference point across the field. Instead of comparing different car classes, viewers can follow the pairings and their progress through one short race.
However, the confirmed event details do not supply a separate set of event-specific power figures or performance targets. There is therefore no basis to attach a predicted lap time or top speed to this announcement.
For context on the forces drivers manage through braking and corners, read our explanation of what G-force means when driving. Any performance testing belongs on a closed circuit or approved private venue, never public roads.
How long is the Daytona Veterans Day Classic race?
The listed format consists of a 15-minute qualifying session followed by a 30-minute race. Teams will use Daytona’s 12-turn road course, measuring 3.6 miles, approximately 5.8 km.
That distinction matters: this event uses the road course, not an oval-only layout. Meanwhile, the short race duration gives fans a compact competition to follow alongside the entertainment programme.
| Confirmed detail | 2026 event information |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 |
| Venue | Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida |
| Layout | 12-turn road course |
| Course length | 3.6 miles, approximately 5.8 km |
| Qualifying | 15 minutes |
| Race | 30 minutes |
| Field | Six two-driver teams, 12 drivers total |
However, the available announcements do not specify exact on-track start times for both sessions. Treat the confirmed broadcast time separately from an announced green-flag time.
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How can fans watch the Veterans Day Classic?
NASCAR lists live coverage on USA Network at 8 p.m. ET on November 11, with streaming on Fandango. Ford describes the overall live broadcast window as 8–10 p.m. ET.
These details describe coverage, not a two-hour race. The competition itself remains listed as a 30-minute race following qualifying.
For viewers planning their evening, 8 p.m. ET is therefore the confirmed television reference point. However, the sources reviewed do not confirm the precise green-flag time within that window.
Likewise, no results exist yet for this scheduled event as of October 29. The October 28 announcement concerns the driver lineup and event arrangements, not completed racing.
Where can fans buy tickets for the Daytona Veterans Day Classic?
The official Ford event and ticket site lists general admission and VIP options. It also lists the tailgate opening at 3 p.m. and access to the race-and-concert FanZone at 6 p.m.
Importantly, the 6 p.m. FanZone access time is not the scheduled television start. Fans attending in person should distinguish entry arrangements from the 8 p.m. ET broadcast.
Zac Brown Band will headline the entertainment. However, the detailed running order for qualifying, racing and the concert has not been confirmed in the sources reviewed.
The event also supports military- and veteran-focused nonprofits through the Proud to Honor Fund, powered by GlobalGiving. According to NASCAR, half of ticket proceeds will benefit Blue Star Families.
Before booking, check the official site for current ticket availability, package inclusions and updated entry instructions. Those practical details can change before November 11.
How can drivers record their own drives?
Watching a race and recording your own driving are separate activities. TripRank is an iOS driving and performance telemetry companion app that records trips with GPS and shows performance stats and charts.
Free drive recording works offline and continues in the background. Meanwhile, Pro unlocks aggregate Stats charts, data export and Apple Watch heart-rate analytics.
For drivers preparing for a separate circuit outing, our first track day checklist covers preparation before heading to the venue. Trip recording is not a substitute for that preparation.
For the preceding national-series weekend, check the NASCAR Martinsville 2026 race weekend schedule for confirmed dates, US coverage and results status.
For another Florida racing development, the reported Monaco Modified 2027 opener at New Smyrna identifies a venue while exact dates remain pending.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic?
The event takes place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Which military branches are represented in the race?
The six teams represent the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard. Each team has two drivers.
What time does the Veterans Day Classic race start?
Live coverage is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on USA Network, with streaming on Fandango. However, the precise green-flag time has not been confirmed in the sources reviewed.
How long is the Daytona Veterans Day Classic race?
The listed format includes a 15-minute qualifying session followed by a 30-minute race on Daytona’s 12-turn, 3.6-mile road course.
Bottom line
Ford has confirmed all 12 drivers for November 11, with six military-branch teams racing Mustang Dark Horse R cars. Next, fans should check the official event site for the detailed running order and ticket updates. For recording your own drives separately, explore TripRank’s GPS drive tracking on the App Store.
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