AJ Foyt Racing, GM Defense and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society announced Nov. 10 the launch of Project Accelerator, a new initiative designed to bring together leaders from motorsports, defense and technology to encourage networking, collaboration and innovation.
Josh Pierson, who was announced Oct. 27 as driver of the No. 4 Chevrolet with the team, will carry the logos of Project Accelerator and its founding partners throughout the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The first planned Project Accelerator Hub activation will take place during the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington race weekend on March 19-21, with a networking event at the National Medal of Honor Museum adjacent to the circuit.
“My dad (A.J. Foyt) always said, ‘Determination that just won’t quit — that’s what it takes,’ AJ Foyt Racing President Larry Foyt said. “I believe that’s more true today than ever. 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.”
The initiative will use networking-focused hospitality and Accelerator Hubs at select INDYCAR SERIES events throughout the 2027 season to connect defense technology companies, investors, industry leaders, military and government representatives, and members of the Congressional Medal of Honor community.
“Motorsports and defense both demand disciplined innovation and the ability to perform when conditions are unforgiving,” said Ken Morris, GM senior vice president of global product safety, integration and motorsports and GM Defense chief operating officer. “Project Accelerator connects 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.”
The program is geared to create opportunities for organizations across defense, aerospace and technology to connect and explore potential partnerships. Project Accelerator will also highlight career opportunities in motorsports and defense-related industries, introducing prospective talent to fields such as engineering, software, data, manufacturing and operations.
“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. “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.”
Pierson said his recent experiences meeting Medal of Honor recipients and attending a Homes For Our Troops home dedication reinforced the importance of the initiative. The 20-year-old native of Portland, Oregon, joined AJ Foyt Racing following four seasons in INDY NXT by Firestone.
“Hearing Medal of Honor Recipients share their stories at GM Defense’s Valor & Velocity gala was something I’ll never forget,” Pierson said. “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.”
