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This is an archive article published on February 17, 2025
Video: Donald Trump joins Daytona 500, rides ‘The Beast’ around track to cheer racers
Donald Trump was at the Daytona 500, an annual NASCAR Cup Series race covering over 800km at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Donald Trump stands during the National Anthem as NASCAR vice chairman Mike Helton, watches, before the start of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race, Florida. (Photo: Chris Graythen/Pool via AP)
US President Donald Trump made an appearance at the Daytona 500 on Saturday, taking part in the opening of the iconic NASCAR race by riding around the track in his presidential limousine, known as “The Beast,” US media reported.
The Daytona 500 is an annual NASCAR Cup Series race covering over 800 km at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Trump’s attendance marks his latest visit to a major sporting event, coming just a week after he became the first sitting US president to attend a Super Bowl.
As his motorcade circled the track, Trump addressed the drivers and fans through a speaker from inside his vehicle.
“This is your favorite president,” he said, as per New York Post. “I’m a big fan, I’m really a big fan of you people, that you do this. I don’t know, but I just want you to be safe. 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.”
Trump praises NASCAR, speaks with drivers
Before the race officially began, Donald Trump made an appearance on the Fox Sports broadcast. “I think it’s fantastic,” he said, speaking about Daytona 500, as per NY Post. “It’s great for the country. Our country is doing well again and we have spirit all over the world. There’s spirit again, we brought it back. And it’s been less than four weeks. So, you’ll see what we do in a little period of time, it’s gonna only get better. But this is very exciting.”
During his visit, Trump, 78, also spent time speaking with some of the drivers participating in the race, expressing his admiration for their skill and bravery.
Donald Trump greets drivers at the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race. (Photo: Pool via AP)
“They have a lot of courage doing it,” he said. “I see it, and I’ve been here, they have a lot of guts as they would say.”
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Trump departed Palm Beach International Airport on Air Force One shortly after noon and landed in Daytona Beach in less than an hour. He was accompanied by several guests, including his son Eric Trump, grandson Luke, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
This marks the two-term President’s second visit to the Daytona 500, having previously attended the race in 2020 while running for re-election.
Trump rides in the presidential limousine known as ‘The Beast’ as he takes a pace lap ahead of the start of the auto race. (Photo: Chris Graythen/Pool via AP)
‘Timeless tribute’ to American spirit
In a message delivered from Air Force One, Trump said, “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 as per NY Post.
(With inputs from New York Post)
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