CARS Tour West driver Skyler Schoppe will bring his race car to Fresno’s 107th Central Valley Veterans Day Parade, continuing his commitment to honoring service members and supporting Central Valley Honor Flight.
CLOVIS, Calif. (November 9, 2026) – For 15-year-old CARS Tour West racer Skyler Schoppe, Veterans Day has always been personal.
His connection dates back to his great-great-uncle, Jim Roach, who was just 19 when he became a B-24 bomber pilot during World War II. Roach survived more than a dozen bombing missions and went on to become a highly decorated U.S. Air Force pilot, serving in the Korean and Vietnam wars as well.
That legacy has stayed with Skyler and shaped his appreciation for those who have served.
“I’ve always held Veterans Day near and dear to my heart because of my great-grandmother’s youngest brother’s sacrifice in World War II,” Skyler said. “I just can’t imagine the bravery he had at only 19 years old, being the captain in the left seat of a B-24 bomber.
“The ultimate sacrifice of countless veterans should never be taken for granted,” he added. “We should always remember and appreciate the freedoms we enjoy today because of the great men and women who are the true brave heroes. I’m so grateful for them.”
Skyler is also making a name for himself behind the wheel. The Clovis, Calif., native began racing Bandoleros at Madera Speedway in 2022, finishing second in the championship in his first season. He moved into Jr. Late Models the following year, picking up multiple wins in 2025 before making the jump to the CARS Tour West Limited Late Model division in 2026.
Driving the No. 7S, Skyler has put together a standout rookie season, finishing third in his series debut at The Bullring in Las Vegas and adding another third-place finish at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. He later earned his first career pole in the division at The Bullring in October, followed by a runner-up finish, and has remained in the top five in the series standings all season.
Away from the track, one of the most important parts of Skyler’s racing program is his support of Central Valley Honor Flight, a Clovis-based organization that provides veterans with all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. Each flight typically carries 60 to 80 veterans.
The organization’s emblem is prominently displayed on Skyler’s race car and racing suit, but his involvement goes well beyond that. Throughout the year, he attends Honor Flight homecoming celebrations at Fresno Yosemite International Airport, often bringing his race car along to welcome veterans returning from their trips. It’s his way of showing appreciation, raising awareness for the organization and giving veterans the recognition they deserve.
That commitment will be on display again on Wednesday, November 11, when Skyler and his team bring their car to downtown Fresno for the 107th Central Valley Veterans Day Parade. He’s been invited to take part in the annual celebration, which is expected to include more than 114 participating groups.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of the celebration of our great Veterans Day parade in Fresno with my race team, race car and, of course, all the wonderful veterans,” Skyler said. “I’m proud and privileged to be able to help promote and support the amazing Central Valley Honor Flight program.”
The parade begins at Fresno City Hall on P Street at 11:11 a.m., passes the Veterans Memorial Museum on Fresno Street, and ends at Chukchansi Park. Approximately 20,000 spectators are expected along the route during the two-hour event. Admission is free, with the main grandstand located in front of City Hall. ABC30 will also carry the parade live.
For Skyler, it’s a chance to use his racing program to recognize something much bigger than the sport itself: the men and women who have served and the sacrifices they’ve made to protect our nation’s freedoms.
About Skyler Schoppe
Skyler Schoppe is a 15-year-old stock car racer from Clovis, Calif., competing in the CARS Tour West Limited Late Model division in the No. 7S. After beginning his racing career in Bandoleros in 2022, Schoppe progressed through the Jr. Late Model ranks, earning multiple wins and championship runner-up finishes before making his CARS Tour West debut in 2026. Away from the track, he’s an active supporter of Central Valley Honor Flight, helping recognize veterans and raise awareness for the organization’s mission. Follow Skyler at instagram.com/skylerschopperacing. For more information, contact Greg Schoppe at (559) 285-8581 or flyu@sbcglobal.net.
