Trump at Daytona 500: Return visit to Great American Race marks second time as president
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - President Donald Trump attended the Daytona 500 on Sunday, marking his second appearance at NASCAR’s most prestigious race as president.
Spirit of NASCAR will 'fuel America's Golden Age'
What we know:
President Trump is back in Daytona Beach for The Great American Race. It's the second appearance at the race as president. His first visit was in 2020 while running for reelection. That year, he served as grand marshal, delivering the command for drivers to start their engines and making a dramatic entrance with an Air Force One flyover.
For this trip, Air Force One departed from Palm Beach International Airport shortly after noon, carrying Trump, his son Eric, grandson Luke, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and his wife, Kathryn. Several members of Congress were also accompanying him, according to the White House.
President Trump greeted by Rick Scott, Randy Fine
President Donald Trump arrives at Daytona Beach International Airport ahead of the Daytona 500. He was greeted by Sen. Rick Scott and State Sen. Randy Fine, among others. They all talked for a few minutes before posing for a photo. Trump is headed to the Daytona 500 race.
Trump also thrilled NASCAR fans in the stands with another Air Force One flyover before he rode in the presidential limousine onto the Daytona International Speedway.
Trump has made a point of attending major sporting events, having recently become the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl. His presence at college football games and UFC fights, along with his well-documented passion for golf, further underscores his efforts to align himself with sports culture.
What we don't know:
It remained unclear whether Trump had any official role at the Daytona 500 this year, as he did in 2020 when he was grand marshal. The extent of his involvement in pre-race ceremonies or interactions with drivers has not been disclosed.
The backstory:
Trump’s relationship with NASCAR extends beyond his appearances at the Daytona 500. In 2018, while in the White House, he honored NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. and Furniture Row Racing. More recently, in May of last year, he attended the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a major race in the swing state of North Carolina, as a former president and reelection candidate.
Trump has often spoken about his admiration for the sport and its fans, praising the courage of drivers and the patriotic spirit of NASCAR events. His presence at Daytona aligns with his broader strategy of cultivating support among sports audiences.
Big picture view:
Trump’s appearance at the Daytona 500 reinforces his ongoing effort to maintain visibility among sports fans, particularly those in key political battlegrounds. With NASCAR’s fan base traditionally seen as conservative-leaning, his presence at the event could bolster his appeal among a segment of voters who value his brand of patriotism and showmanship.
His attendance follows a recent pattern of high-profile sports event visits, including last weekend’s Super Bowl. These appearances, coupled with his history of engaging with NASCAR and other sports leagues, reflect a continued strategy of associating himself with American sports culture.
What they're saying:
During a 2020 interview with Fox News, Trump spoke about his admiration for NASCAR and the Daytona 500, calling it 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."
"The tens of thousands of patriots here today have come for the fast cars and the world-class motorsports," Trump said at the time. "But NASCAR fans never forget that no matter who wins the race, what matters most is God, family and country."
Chase Elliott, a NASCAR driver, acknowledged the significance of having a sitting president attend the Daytona 500. "One of our biggest days of the year is special," he said. "It certainly brings a lot of eyes and a different perspective to what we do down here for this race."
Daytona 500: What to know:
The Daytona 500 race is held on Sunday, Feb. 16, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The race started at 1:30 p.m. (It was moved up an hour due to the potential for weather on Sunday afternoon).
How can I watch the Daytona 500?
The Daytona 500 airs on FOX and FOX 35 Orlando. The race started at 1:30 p.m. (It was moved up an hour due to the potential for weather on Sunday afternoon).
Watch on TV or stream on FOX Local. FOX will then jump in with pre-race coverage of its own on TV.
How long is the race?
The Daytona 500 is a 500-mile race. Daytona International Speedway is a 2.5-mile track, which means it takes 200 laps to hit the 500-mile milestone.
Daytona 500 Forecast: Is it going to rain?
It will be a warm and windy day in Central Florida, especially up the Interstate 4 corridor. Wind gusts are expected to be between 35-40 mph. Temperatures will be in the 80s.
A cold front is expected to move through Daytona Beach in the afternoon and early evening hours, which would be during the Daytona 500 race. Strong showers are expected.
Daytona 500 past winners
2024: William Byron
2023: Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
2022: Austin Cindric
2021: Michael McDowell
2020: Denny Hamlin
2019: Denny Hamlin
2018: Austin Dillon
2017: Kurt Busch
2016: Denny Hamlin
2015: Joey Logano
2014: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2013: Jimmie Johnson
2012: Matt Kenseth
2011: Trevor Bayne
2010: Jamie McMurray
2009: Matt Kenseth
2008: Ryan Newman
2007: Kevin Harvick
2006: Jimmie Johnson
2005: Jeff Gordon
2004: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2003: Michael Waltrip
2002: Ward Burton
2001: Michael Waltrip
2000: Dale Jarrett
1999: Jeff Gordon
1998: Dale Earnhardt
1997: Jeff Gordon
1996: Dale Jarrett
1995: Sterling Marlin
1994: Sterling Marlin
1993: Dale Jarrett
1992: Davey Allison
1991: Ernie Irvan
1990: Derrike Cope
1989: Darrell Waltrip
1988: Bobby Allison
1987: Bill Elliott
1986: Geoff Bodine
1985: Bill Elliott
1984: Cale Yarborough
1983: Cale Yarborough
1982: Bobby Allison
1981: Richard Petty
1980: Buddy Baker
1979: Richard Petty
1978: Bobby Allison
1977: Cale Yarborough
1976: David Pearson
1975: Benny Parsons
1974: Richard Petty
1973: Richard Petty
1972: A.J. Foyt
1971: Richard Petty
1970: Pete Hamilton
1969: LeeRoy Yarbrough
1968: Cale Yarborough
1967: Mario Andretti
1966: Richard Petty
1965: Fred Lorenzen
1964: Richard Petty
1963: Tiny Lund
1962: Glenn "Fireball" Roberts
1961: Marvin Panch
1960: Junior Johnson
1959: Lee Petty
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:
- Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines
- Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar
- Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines
- FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Associated Press.