Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump attended the Daytona 500 on Sunday in Florida, taking laps in his presidential vehicle, known as “The Beast.”
Trump also shared interviews, greeted racers and arrived after a flyover in Air Force One.
“This iconic race showcases the fastest, most fearless drivers in motorsports, who represent our Nation’s love of tradition, competition, and automotive innovation. The Daytona 500 brings together people from all walks of life—from lifelong racing fans to first-time spectators—they all join in celebrating a shared passion for speed, adrenaline, and the thrill of the race,” Trump shared in a White House message ahead 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. That spirit is what will fuel America’s Golden Age, and if we harness it, the future is truly ours,” he added.
Trump also shared encouraging words in a brief interview ahead of the race.
“I’m a big fan. I am a really big fan of you people. How you do this I don’t know, but I just want you to be safe,” Trump said. “You’re talented people and you’re great people and great Americans. Have a good day, have a lot of fun and I’ll see you later.”
Sunday’s race included a sold-out crowd. The race was halted at one point due to a rain delay, but Chevrolet’s William Byron ultimately won, driving the No. 24 ZL1 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.
Trump is no stranger to the prestigious racing event, sometimes referred to as the Super Bowl of racing. The president and First Lady Melania Trump previously visited the Daytona 500 NASCAR race in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2020.
According to Athlon Sports, in 2020, Trump “gave the command to start engines and made several laps around Daytona Int’l Speedway in ‘The Beast.’ The 2020 Daytona 500 had a rain delay shortly after President Trump’s departure and the race was completed the following day with Denny Hamlin taking the win.”
