Four-time IndyCar Champion Dario Franchitti has been named the honoree for the 2026 edition of The Amelia Concours d’Elegance. Scheduled for March 5-8, the four-day US event will showcase a diverse selection of rare and historically important vehicles at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, Florida.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest IndyCar racers of all time, Franchitti joins an illustrious group of past Amelia honorees, including Sir Stirling Moss, Jacky Ickx, Hurley Haywood, Richard Petty and Dan Gurney. A three-time Indy 500 winner, Dario is one of only ten drivers in history to have claimed victory at the iconic race three times or more. Franchitti retired from racing following a serious crash in 2013, but he has continued to make meaningful contributions to motoring and motor sport. He currently serves as director of brand and product for the Gordon Murray Automotive hypercar specialist.
“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 honoured before me,” Dario said. “My love for all things automotive continues to grow every day, and I’m thrilled to share that passion with thousands of fellow enthusiasts next March.”
The Amelia is one of the world’s most established and prestigious concours d’elegance events, having first been staged back in 1996. It has grown significantly since being acquired by Michigan-based automotive lifestyle brand and specialist insurer Hagerty back in 2021. A major change to the format is being introduced for 2026, with the concours d’elegance being held on Saturday for the first time in the event’s history. The move will allow Sunday March 8 to be dedicated to the expanded Cars & Community show for local car enthusiasts.
A curated selection of 250 vehicles will be vying for the Best of Show title across 30 classes. A number of 2026 concours classes have been confirmed so far: Porsche Aluminium-Bodied Racers, Can-Am Racers and Corvette Factory L88. It has also been revealed that the Dallara DW12 Franchitti drove to his third Indy 500 win in 2012 will be displayed in the Cars of the Honoree class. Taking place alongside the Saturday concours d’elegance is the RADwood celebration of 1980s and 1990s cars and culture.
The concours will also be complemented by the return of Broad Arrow’s annual Amelia Island sale. The Hagerty-owned auction house achieved $61.7m in total sales at the 2025 event, headlined by the $9.5m sale of a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder Competizione.
More concours classes for The Amalia 2026 will be confirmed later this year. More information and tickets can be found here.
