NASCAR comments on Donald Trump visiting the Daytona 500

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02/18/2025 02:41 PM

Donald Trump became the first sitting President to visit the Daytona 500 for a second time

Donald Trump has attended the Daytona 500 once before. On Sunday, he made his second appearance at the famed NASCAR event in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Shortly before the race, Air Force 1 did a low flyover, directly over the Daytona International Speedway grandstands.

The President appeared shortly before the National Anthem. He greeted drivers on the pit lane. A brief appearance on the screen during the Anthem erupted the crowd.

Just ahead of the race, The Beast, a Presidential Limo paced the Daytona 500 field. Trump made a brief appearance on the radio, communicating to the drivers just ahead of the green flag.

It’s not uncommon for the pole sitter to bump the pace car ahead of the start. And Chase Briscoe wanted to do that but he was quickly turned down.

Chase Briscoe was going to bump the Presidential Limo at Daytona

But, when the President joins the Daytona 500, NASCAR has to make adjustments…

NASCAR comments on Donald Trump attending the Daytona 500

“First and foremost, to have a sitting President that would like to attend our event, I think that’s really special,” NASCAR’s Elton Sawyer stated via SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

“I think it just tells you the magnitude of the Daytona 500. A week before, he was at the Superbowl. So, when you put those two in the same conversation, that’s big.”

“As far as the garage, we just started early. Most of our teams got there around 5 on Sunday morning.”

“We just have to start earlier. The screening and the processes to get people in the facility.”

“It was great to have him there. Great for the excitement of our sport.”

Daytona 500 Results: February 16, 2025 (NASCAR)