AJ FOYT RACING, GM DEFENSE AND THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR SOCIETY LAUNCH PROJECT ACCELERATOR

Initiative will use racing to connect leaders across defense, technology and industry and be featured in the livery of the No. 4 Chevrolet, driven by Josh Pierson, throughout the season.

INDIANAPOLIS (November 10, 2026) — AJ Foyt Racing, GM Defense and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society today announced the launch of Project Accelerator, a motorsports-based convening and networking platform designed to bring together people and organizations across motorsports, defense and technology companies. 

The No. 4 Chevrolet, driven by Josh Pierson, will also feature the logos of Project Accelerator, plus GM Defense and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society as founding partners for Project Accelerator. The INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington (Texas) race on March 21, 2027 is planned as the first Hub activation, with a networking event adjacent to the circuit at the National Medal of Honor Museum.

“Motorsports and defense both demand disciplined innovation and the ability to perform when conditions are unforgiving. Racing’s rapid development cycles and data-driven engineering offer a powerful environment to explore new ideas and forge new relationships between teams like AJ Foyt Racing, cutting-edge defense companies, and people who serve our nation, including some of our greatest heroes,” said Ken Morris, GM Senior Vice President, Global Product Safety, Integration and Motorsports and GM Defense Chief Operating Officer. “While Project Accelerator is not a technical development or motorsports engineering program per se, we know from our experience building the GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle with 16-time NASCAR champions Hendrick Motorsports that technology developed for racing, a strong mission focus, and teamwork can help put better tools in the hands of soldiers faster. 

“Project Accelerator connects all these strengths in service of a larger purpose: advancing the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation’s work to support Recipients, preserve the Medal’s legacy and inspire future generations with its values of courage, sacrifice and service.”

Throughout the 2027 season, Project Accelerator will use networking-focused hospitality and Accelerator Hubs at select INDYCAR races to bring defense technology companies, investors, industry leaders, military and government stakeholders, mission partners and members of the Congressional Medal of Honor community together in person. 

The initiative also offers an opportunity to spotlight career paths in motorsports and defense-focused fields, including work connected to GM Defense and GM Motorsports. It can introduce prospective talent to disciplines such as engineering, software, data, manufacturing and operations.

A platform for connection

For AJ Foyt Racing, the initiative also represents another step toward building its competitive future while honoring the determination that established its place in American motorsports.

“My dad always said, ‘Determination that just won’t quit — that’s what it takes.’ I believe that’s more true today than ever,” said Larry Foyt, president of AJ Foyt Racing. “We’re the underdog, but we’re determined to get this team back to the front. We honor what my dad built by continuing to push forward, bringing in talented people and finding new ways to compete. Project Accelerator is part of that effort, but it also gives us an opportunity to do something meaningful for the men and women who serve our country.”

“I’m grateful to General Motors and Chevrolet for their commitment to our team and to Roger Penske and Team Penske for the technical relationship that has helped us improve,” Foyt continued. “FOX Sports is introducing INDYCAR to new audiences, and we want to give those fans another reason to follow our sport. Josh and the No. 4 will help launch Project Accelerator, but our vision is to build something that lasts well beyond the racetrack.”

Project Accelerator and the associated racing program are designed to integrate additional defense, aerospace and technology organizations as it grows. The program is focused on companies working in defense and dual-use technology areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, robotics, simulation, advanced materials, mobility and propulsion. Project Accelerator will provide opportunities to convene, collaborate, and advance defense innovation; participation does not imply that a technology is being evaluated or validated through race competition.

Honoring those who serve

Project Accelerator will connect Medal of Honor Recipients with leaders from motorsports, defense and industry, introducing new audiences to the values represented by the Medal of Honor and the Society’s work to support Recipients and preserve their legacy.

“The Medal of Honor represents more than a single act of courage. It carries a lasting responsibility to live by the values of sacrifice, commitment, and service to something greater than ourselves,” said Earl Plumlee, Medal of Honor Recipient and Vice President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. “That same spirit of service is what makes this partnership with AJ Foyt Racing and GM Defense so meaningful. We are proud to support this initiative and grateful to see Josh Pierson carry the Society’s logo onto the track, sharing the Medal’s legacy with a new generation.”

For Pierson, recent encounters with Medal of Honor Recipients and Homes For Our Troops brought the initiative’s mission into focus.

“Hearing Medal of Honor Recipients share their stories at GM Defense’s Valor & Velocity gala was something I’ll never forget,” said Pierson. “The next day, I attended a Homes For Our Troops home dedication and saw firsthand the difference the organization makes for Veterans and their families. Both experiences had a tremendous impact on me. I’m grateful for GM Defense’s support and honored to represent the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. I’ll do whatever I can to bring positive attention to both the Society and Homes For Our Troops.”

Founded by A.J. Foyt, the first four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, AJ Foyt Racing will commemorate the 50th anniversary of his fourth victory in 2027.

Project Accelerator is being developed as a long-term initiative, with opportunities for additional organizations to participate as the program evolves.

About GM Defense   

GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors, develops integrated vehicles, power and propulsion, autonomy and   connectivity solutions for defense, security and government customers, drawing on General Motors’ engineering and manufacturing capabilities.   

gmdefensellc.com   

About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society   

Established in 1958, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society is the only congressionally chartered organization comprised   of living Medal of Honor Recipients and dedicated to protecting and promoting the Medal’s legacy. The Society supports   Recipients and their families, preserves their stories, and inspires future generations through their extraordinary examples of courage, sacrifice, and service.

cmohs.org | @cmohsociety    

About Josh Pierson   

Josh Pierson is an American racing driver from Wilsonville, Oregon, with experience in INDY NXT, the FIA World Endurance   Championship, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, IMSA and the Asian Le Mans Series. He has supported the Alzheimer’s Association as an #ENDALZ Athlete since 2022.    

joshpierson.com | @joshpierson