Ford is bringing a first-of-its-kind Veterans Day event to Daytona International Speedway tomorrow, pairing a military-themed road-course race with a country music concert headlined by Zac Brown Band. The Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic is designed to honor the U.S. military and raise money for veteran-focused charities, with general-admission tickets priced at $110 and VIP passes at $305.
According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, the $110 general-admission ticket includes access to the Proud to Honor tailgate, the FanZone for both the concert and the race, plus free parking and shuttles. The $305 VIP pass adds a dedicated premium viewing area for the concert and race, upgraded parking, golf cart transport and a commemorative poster, the newspaper reports.
Active-duty service members, retired military veterans and eligible family members can shave 20% off either ticket tier by verifying their status through GOVX, per the News-Journal's reporting. Ford has also said that Ticketmaster is waiving fees for everyone buying tickets to the event, according to Ford From the Road.
Six Branches, One Track
The race itself features six teams representing the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, competing in a 15-minute qualifying session ahead of a 30-minute race, according to IMSA. NASCAR drivers Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski are among those included in the lineup for the road-course event.
The night unfolds in stages. The Proud to Honor tailgate runs from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by qualifying laps for the race from 6:40 to 6:55 p.m. The concert takes the stage from 8 to 8:45 p.m., with the Veterans Day Classic race itself set for 9 to 9:45 p.m.
Star-Studded Concert Lineup
Attendees will see a concert featuring Zac Brown Band, Russell Dickerson, Jo Dee Messina, Brittney Spencer and Warren Zeiders, the News-Journal reports. IMSA's own announcement describes the show as headlined by Zac Brown Band with the four other acts rounding out the bill.
Fans who can't make it to Daytona Beach will have a broadcast option. The event will air live from 8 to 10 p.m. ET on USA Network and stream live on TikTok, per IMSA's release.
Where the Money Goes
Part of the appeal for organizers is the charitable angle built into the ticket price. IMSA says half of ticket proceeds will benefit Blue Star Families, with the event supporting six nonprofit organizations overall. The News-Journal similarly reports that a portion of ticket proceeds will go to Blue Star Families and five additional nonprofits, folding the fundraising effort directly into the race-day experience.
