Nascar pilots will reach speeds of nearly 200 MPH when the green flag wandered for Daytona 500 on Sunday while the season begins at Daytona International Speedway.
President Donald Trump was on site for the start of the “Great American Race”, leading the pilots on a tour before the start of the race. This is the second time he has attended the event.
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President Donald Trump shakes hands with the Nascar renowned temple driver Richard Petty at Nascar Daytona 500 in Daytona International Speedway, Sunday February 16, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Florida. (AP photo / John Raoux)
Before the call to drivers to start their engines, Trump spoke to Jamie Little of Fox Sports and applauded the runners for participating in the event.
“They have a lot of courage to do that. I see it and I am here,” said the president. “They have a lot of guts, as they would say.”
Trump, who was joined on the track by his granddaughter, underlined the progress of the United States since he started his second term as president.
“I think it’s fantastic. I think it’s great for the country,” he said. “The country starts again. We have a spirit all over the world. There is still a spirit, we have brought it back and that is less than four weeks. You will see what we do in a little better.
Trump had a message for drivers on their radios before the green flag beckoned.
President Donald Trump, with his granddaughter Carolina, speaks during an interview at the Nascar Daytona 500, Sunday February 16, 2025, in Florida. (Photo / chris o’meara)
Nascar fans applaud while Trump arrives for Daytona 500 in Air Force One
“He’s your favorite. I’m a big fan. I’m a very big fan of you. (How) you do that, I don’t know. But I just want you to be safe. You are talented people and The big Americans have a good day.
Trump praised the American spirit in a statement before his arrival in Daytona Beach, Florida.
“This emblematic breed highlights the fastest and most intrepid motors in motorsport, which represent the love of our nation for tradition, competition and automotive innovation,” said the press release. “The Daytona 500 brings together people from all walks of life – racing fans for spectators for the first time – they all join to celebrate 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’ ‘by browsing the stands, the Daytona 500 is a timeless tribute to the speed, the force and the inflexible spirit which makes the Grande America.
President Donald Trump acts when he arrives at Daytona Beach International Airport on Sunday, February 16, 2025, on the way to Nascar Daytona 500. (Pool via AP)
The president was joined on the track by Eric Trump, Luke Trump, the transport secretary Sean Duffy, John Paul Duffy, Patrick Duffy, the secretary in the Interior Doug Burgum, Kathryn Burgum, meaning. Todd Young and Ashley Moody, and representatives Jason Smith, Byron Donalds and Mike Haridopolos.
