Ford to Host Free Advanced Driver Training for Military Teens in San Diego Area Ahead of NASCAR Cup Series Race

Ford Driving Skills for Life Offers New Drivers Behind-the-Wheel Training June 20, 2026

SAN DIEGO (June 15, 2026) – As the NASCAR Cup Series prepares to bring high-speed thrills to the streets of Coronado, Ford is working to ensure local teens – particularly those from the local military community – are equipped with life-saving driving skills.

The day before the green flag drops in San Diego, Ford Philanthropy is teaming up with the Ford “Proud to Honor” initiative, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to bring three free, hands-on Ford Driving Skills for Life clinics to Manheim San Diego in Oceanside, Calif., near Camp Pendleton, on June 20, 2026.

Established in 2003, Ford Driving Skills for Life pairs newly licensed or permitted teen drivers with professional instructors for advanced behind-the-wheel training designed to help inexperienced drivers develop the skills needed to recognize hazards, control their vehicles and make safer decisions on the road. Each session combines instruction from professional drivers with hands-on exercises that allow teens to practice important driving techniques in a controlled environment.

“With the NASCAR Cup Series in San Diego, all eyes will be on the track, but our focus is on the road,” said Mobility Director Joe Provenzano with Ford Philanthropy. “NASCAR drivers are experts in speed, but every driver needs to be an expert in safety. That’s why we’re bringing Ford Driving Skills for Life to Oceanside to give young drivers the hands-on experience and confidence they need to handle real-world driving challenges.”

Ford Driving Skills for Life is coming to California with special support from Ford’s Sustainability team. The driving sessions will feature an emphasis on battery-electric vehicles as teens will get behind the wheel of Ford products like the Mustang Mach-E. The event will also feature a special hands-on parent/guardian education opportunity to experience fully electric vehicles and modern advanced driver assistance systems technologies on public roads with trained instructors.

Teen participants will work with professional instructors to learn how to manage real-world driving situations and understand how their choices behind the wheel affect others on the road.

“Providing our newest drivers with hands-on training helps to build confidence behind the wheel and supports a safer experience for everyone on the road,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “We are appreciative that Ford and the Governors Highway Safety Association are bringing this free, interactive program to California.”

Teens are encouraged to use free, mobile-friendly resources from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), including the Teen Driver Roadmap, a step-by-step video guide that helps teens and their families understand permit requirements and key licensing milestones. Additionally, new drivers can review the digital California Driver’s Handbook, which provides an easy-to-use overview of safe driving practices. The DMV also offers a series of 14 educational videos to reinforce classroom and behind-the-wheel training, with topics that include rules of the road, how to safely interact with people biking and walking, and drive test tips.

The Ford Driving Skills for Life free training is designed to give teens experience practicing advanced driving techniques they may not encounter during traditional driver’s education courses. Vehicles are provided. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Register today at drivingskillsforlife.com/training.

As a satellite event to the Ford “Proud to Honor” Family Festival at the USS Midway Museum on June 17 in San Diego, this event is a free, hands-on advanced driver training clinic for teens from the local military and veteran communities.