The Amelia, the globally celebrated concours event that blends race-bred heritage with coastal refinement, has announced Dario Franchitti MBE as its 2026 honoree. The Scottish-born driver, whose accolades span four IndyCar Series championships, three Indy 500 victories, and a Rolex 24 at Daytona win, will be recognized during the upcoming event, held March 5–8, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.
Franchitti’s career is not just impressive on paper—it’s a masterclass in perseverance, precision, and passion. With 31 IndyCar victories, 89 podium finishes, and memberships in multiple motorsports halls of fame, Franchitti has earned a place among the sport’s greats. Beyond the cockpit, he remains deeply embedded in the automotive world as Director of Brand and Product for Gordon Murray Automotive, a seasoned motorsport broadcaster, and a dedicated preservationist with a growing collection of historic vehicles.
“I’ve been coming to The Amelia for many years, not just to admire the incredible cars, but also to celebrate those who’ve been honored before me. My love for all things automotive continues to grow every day, and I’m thrilled to share that passion with thousands of fellow enthusiasts in March.”Dario Franchitti
Now entering its fourth decade, The Amelia has long been known for its dual spirit: part elegant concours, part high-octane celebration of speed. With Franchitti as its 2026 honoree, the event continues its tradition of honoring those who embody both.
For the first time in its history, The Amelia Concours d’Elegance will take place on Saturday, March 7, allowing the expanded Cars & Community experience to take over Sunday, March 8. The 2026 concours will feature 250 vehicles across 30 curated classes, including featured highlights such as Porsche Aluminum-Bodied Racers, Can-Am Racers, and Corvette Factory L88 examples.
Among the most anticipated displays: the 2012 Dallara DW12 Franchitti drove to victory at the Indianapolis 500, which will appear in the traditional “Cars of the Honoree” class.
“The Amelia has always been fueled by a passion for competition and a deep connection to racing culture, and Dario Franchitti exemplifies both. Hosting the concours on Saturday creates room for a bigger-than-ever Cars & Community on Sunday.”McKeel Hagerty, Hagerty CEO and Chairman of The Amelia
Complementing the concours, Broad Arrow Auctions—a Hagerty company—returns for its fourth sale at The Amelia. In 2025, the auction achieved $61.7M in sales, led by the $9.5M sale of a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione. For 2026, the two-day sale will span the ballroom and oceanfront lawn of The Ritz-Carlton, with more than 150 collector cars expected to cross the block.
Also returning are fan favorites like RADwood, the throwback celebration of 1980s and 1990s automotive icons, and Reverie, an opening-night celebration that merges culinary artistry, design, and the honoree’s personal inspirations.
Final concours classes will be announced later this summer. Ticket launches and registration windows open this fall, with 2025 Cars & Community entrants receiving priority for 2026.
With its unique blend of seminars, film screenings, drive experiences, and celebrity meetups, The Amelia has evolved into one of the most anticipated gatherings for collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. Yet, it never strays from its roots: honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future of car culture.
The 2026 edition is set to reaffirm that ethos—headlined by a driver whose legacy continues to accelerate.