Trump to Make Second Presidential Appearance at NASCAR’s Daytona 500
In February 2020, Trump participated in the race and gave the signal for drivers to start their engines.
Continuing to showcase his lifelong passion for professional sports, President Donald Trump is set to attend the Daytona 500 on February 16 for the second time in his role as commander-in-chief.
Trump made his inaugural appearance at the race in February 2020 during his reelection campaign, where he served as grand marshal for NASCAR’s most significant and prestigious event of the year. He famously declared, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” before arriving at the Daytona International Speedway in the presidential limousine after flying overhead in Air Force One.
During the 2016 election, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France expressed his support for Trump.
Last weekend, Trump made history as the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl. An enthusiastic golfer, he has also been present at numerous college football games and UFC events, reflecting his long-standing interest in sports.
In a 2020 interview with FOX News, Trump highlighted what he loves most about NASCAR: the bravery and courage of the drivers chasing “pure American glory.”
He described the Daytona 500 as a “legendary display of roaring engines, soaring spirits, and the American skill, speed, and power we’ve heard about for so many years.”
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“Today, tens of thousands of patriots have gathered for the fast cars and the top-tier motorsports. Yet NASCAR fans never forget that regardless of who crosses the finish line first, the true priorities remain God, family, and country,” Trump expressed during his previous visit.
Trump also paid tribute to NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. and the stock car racing team Furniture Row Racing at the White House in 2018.
In May 2024, Trump was present at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, a pivotal swing state during the last election.
NASCAR driver Chase Elliott remarked, “Having a president attend the Daytona 500 for one of our biggest days of the year is extraordinary. It certainly attracts attention and offers a fresh perspective on our event.”
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan made history as the first sitting president to attend a NASCAR race, starting the Firecracker 400 at Daytona International Speedway with the iconic command, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” from aboard Air Force One. Later, the plane touched down within view of fans at Daytona International Airport, located behind the speedway. Driver Richard Petty achieved his historic 200th victory during that event.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
