Trump attended the race in February 2020 and issued commands for the driver to start the engine.
In another appearance that hones his lifelong love of professional sports, President Donald Trump attended the Daytona 500 for the second time on February 16th.
In a presidential message released when he flew to Daytona Beach, Florida, Trump said he brought people from all walks of life by “sharing the passion for speed, adrenaline and racing thrills.” I said that.
“From the roaring engines on the truck to the “spangled banner of stars” echoing up the stands, the Daytona 500 is a timeless tribute to the speed, strength and fortitude that makes America great.” Trump said. . “That spirit is fueling America’s golden age, and if we take advantage of it, the future is truly ours.”
Trump began appearing at events by greeting race car drivers on the track with his granddaughter Carolina. Trump was greeted with cheers. His convoy ran slowly around the track, followed by a race car line.
President Donald Trump is standing on the grid in front of the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500, held at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida on February 16, 2025. Chris Graythen/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
Sunday’s race started in front of a sold-out crowd, but stopped about an hour after eight laps as heavy rain was expected to cause long delays.
Trump first raced in February 2020 during his reelection campaign and was named Grand Marshall of Nascar’s biggest and most famous event. He issued the famous order “Gentleman, start your engine!” After flying overhead in Air Force 1, I rode the Presidential Limousine Daytona International Speedway.
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During the 2016 election, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France approved Trump.
Trump made history last weekend by becoming the first president to attend the Super Bowl. The enthusiastic golfer has also participated in many college football games and UFC fights, raising his decades of interest in the sport.
In a 2020 interview with Fox News, Trump described the courage and courage of a driver in pursuit of “pure American glory” as what he enjoys most about NASCAR.
He said the Daytona 500 was “a legendary display of ro-sound engine, a rising spirit, and the American skill, speed and power that we’ve heard for many years.”
“Today, tens of thousands of patriots here have come for fast cars and world-class motorsports. But NASCAR fans say, no matter who wins the race, the most important thing is God, family, country. I will never forget that it is,” Trump said at the time.
Trump also honored the furniture row races of NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. and Stock Car Racing Team, held at the White House in 2018.
In May 2024, Trump joined the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina.
NASCAR driver Chase Elliott said “One of the biggest days of the year is something special” to have a president attending the Daytona 500 on Sunday.
“It certainly brings a lot of eyes and a different perspective to what we’re doing here for this race.”
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan said, “Gentlemen, start the engine!” commanded by Air Force 1.
The plane then took in full views of the fans at Daytona International Airport, behind the speedway. Driver Richard Petty secured his historic 200th victory in that race.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to the report.
