In another appearance showcasing his lifelong love of professional sports, President Donald Trump attended the Daytona 500 on Feb. 16 for the second time as commander-in-chief.
In a presidential message released as he flew to Daytona Beach, Florida, Trump said the Daytona 500 brings together people from all walks of life in a “shared passion for speed, adrenaline, and the thrill of the race.”
“From the roar of the engines on the track to the echo of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ soaring through the stands, the Daytona 500 is a timeless tribute to the speed, strength, and unyielding spirit that make America great,” Trump said. “That spirit is what will fuel America’s Golden Age, and if we harness it, the future is truly ours.”
Trump began his appearance at the event with his granddaughter Carolina and greeting race car drivers on the track. Trump was greeted with cheers as his motorcade drove slowly around the track followed by a procession of race cars.
The Feb. 16 race got underway in front of a sold-out crowd but was halted about an hour later after eight laps because of heavy rain that was expected to cause a lengthy delay.
Trump first attended the race in February 2020 during his reelection campaign and was named grand marshal of NASCAR’s largest and most prestigious event of the year. He issued the famous command “Gentlemen, start your engines!” and rode onto the Daytona International Speedway in the presidential limousine after flying overhead in Air Force One.
During the 2016 election, NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Brian France endorsed Trump.
Trump made history last weekend by becoming the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl. The president has also attended numerous college football games and UFC fights.
During a 2020 interview with FOX News, Trump described the bravery and courage of drivers pursuing “pure American glory” as what he enjoys most about NASCAR.
“[The Daytona 500 is a] legendary display of roaring engines, soaring spirits, and the American skill, speed, and power that we’ve been hearing about for so many years,” he said.
“The tens of thousands of patriots here today have come for the fast cars and the world-class motorsports. But NASCAR fans never forget that no matter who wins the race, what matters most is God, family, and country.”
Trump also honored NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. and stock car racing team Furniture Row Racing at the White House in 2018.
In May 2024, Trump attended the Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, a critical swing state in last year’s election.
Having a president present at the Daytona 500 for “one of [NASCAR’s] biggest days of the year is special,” NASCAR driver Chase Elliot said.
“It certainly brings a lot of eyes and a different perspective to what we do down here for this race,” he said.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan became the first sitting president to attend a NASCAR race when he started the Firecracker 400 at Daytona International Speedway with the “Gentlemen, start your engines!” command from aboard Air Force One.
Later, the plane landed in full view of fans at Daytona International Airport behind the speedway. Driver Richard Petty secured his historic 200th victory at that race.
