As part of NASCAR’s ongoing commitment to creating career pathways and expanding opportunities through NASCAR IMPACT, the league partnered with DraftKings to host the inaugural Veteran Tech Accelerator during the 2026 Coca-Cola 600 weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The pilot program welcomed seven veterans transitioning to civilian life for an immersive, behind-the-scenes experience focused on motorsports technology, broadcast production and live event operations during one of NASCAR’s most iconic and patriotic race weekends.
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The Veteran Tech Accelerator was created in collaboration with DraftKings SERVES, which reflects the company’s commitment to investing in people, strengthening local communities and providing support to people where it’s needed most.
“Through DraftKings SERVES, we are committed to supporting veterans by advancing long-term opportunity, career development and mentorship,” said Senior Vice President of Global Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility at DraftKings. “We’re proud to collaborate with NASCAR IMPACT on the Veteran Tech Accelerator to provide transitioning service members with firsthand exposure to careers in technology and sports entertainment while recognizing the leadership, adaptability, and technical expertise veterans bring to these industries.”
The multi-day experience began with a full-day visit to the NASCAR Research & Development Center and NASCAR Productions facilities in Concord, North Carolina, where participants connected directly with engineers, production personnel and competition leaders to learn more about careers across the sport.
Veterans participated in two specialized learning tracks — Competition Technology and Productions — allowing them to shadow professionals aligned with their backgrounds and career interests. Throughout the program, participants observed race-week operations, explored the technology powering NASCAR competition and gained firsthand insight into the collaboration required to execute a major sporting event.
“Seeing companies, especially NASCAR, get involved in Career Skills Programs to help veterans transition is great, and I do hope to see veterans in the future working at places like this,” said Melissa Mitchell, United States Army veteran and program participant.
The program also included networking opportunities with NASCAR leadership and members of NASCAR’s Veteran Employee Resource Group, providing participants with mentorship, career guidance and feedback focused around how to translate military experience into opportunities within sports and entertainment.
The program culminated with the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 24, where participants received exclusive garage access, observed team operations, attended a meet-and-greet with NASCAR Cup Series Driver Ty Dillon and experienced NASCAR’s premier Memorial Day Weekend event firsthand.
The initiative was developed with input from NASCAR employees who are military veterans currently working in competition technology and production roles, helping ensure the experience reflected authentic career journeys and meaningful mentorship opportunities.