Ford and NASCAR team up for military tribute during America’s 250th anniversary year

Ford Motor Company and NASCAR are revving up a new tribute to U.S. service members and military families.

The companies are joining forces during America’s 250th anniversary year to launch a military-focused campaign anchored by a new Veterans Day race and a limited-edition Super Duty Proud to Honor package that will support Blue Star Families, a nonprofit serving military and veteran families.

Ford and NASCAR are unveiling the campaign Wednesday during a tribute event aboard the USS Midway in San Diego, where they will be joined by actor and Marine Corps veteran Rob Riggle, Blue Star Families, Zac Brown Band and more than 1,500 members of the local military community.

Nick Ford, director of corporate strategy at Ford Motor Company and the great-great-grandson of Henry Ford, told FOX Business the effort builds on the automaker’s long history of supporting those who serve.

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"From day one, supporting the military community has been a huge priority for us," Nick Ford said. "… We have always tried to show up for our country and for those who serve."

At the center of the campaign is the "Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic," scheduled for Nov. 11, 2026.

The first-of-its-kind race will feature Ford Mustang Dark Horse R race cars and Ford Racing drivers in a tribute honoring all six branches of the U.S. military. The event will also include a concert headlined by Zac Brown Band, with additional performers expected to be announced.

Nick Ford said the company wanted to bring together its racing business and its military support efforts as the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary.

"It is going to be a really special day," Nick Ford said.

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Tim Clark, executive vice president and chief brand officer at NASCAR, told FOX Business the partnership reflects a shared commitment between the racing organization and Ford to recognize 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."

Ford is also using the campaign to debut a limited-edition Super Duty Proud to Honor package, available on F-250, F-350 and F-450 models. 

The trucks will feature red, white and blue styling, darkened exterior trim and black wheels, with a portion of proceeds going directly to Blue Star Families.

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Later this week, Ford Philanthropy will host a Ford Driving Skills for Life program for local military teens, focused on helping young drivers build critical safety skills behind the wheel.

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The announcement follows another Ford campaign tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Earlier this year, the Michigan-based automaker launched its "American Value. For American Values" campaign, offering employee pricing to all U.S. customers on most new 2025 and 2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles through July 6.