Categories: Donald Trump

Trump ‘races’ ‘The Beast’ at Daytona 500 amid thunderous cheers

President Donald Trump rides in the presidential limousine known as "The Beast" as he takes a pace lap ahead of the start of the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Donald Trump made his second appearance as president at the Daytona 500 on Sunday, calling the event a unifying celebration of American spirit.

He described the race as a symbol of strength and energy that would help fuel what he calls America’s golden age under his leadership.

Air Force One Flyover and Star-Studded Arrival

Before landing, Air Force One made a dramatic flyover of the Daytona International Speedway, thrilling fans below. Trump arrived from West Palm Beach with a group of high-profile guests, including his son Eric Trump, his wife, grandson Luke, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and his wife, Kathryn. Several members of Congress also accompanied him.

President Donald Trump salutes during a flyover as he attends the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (Pool via AP)

Trump Takes a Lap on the Track

Trump’s motorcade entered the speedway by driving onto the track itself, a moment met with roaring applause from the crowd. His limousine led the drivers in two ceremonial laps before he addressed them over the radio, offering words of encouragement.

“This is your favorite president. I’m a big fan. I am a really big fan of you people. How you do this, I don’t know, but I just want you to be safe,” Trump said. “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.”

NASCAR Crowd Shows Support for Trump

The sold-out race saw strong support for Trump, with many fans sporting red caps featuring his Make America Great Again slogan. Trump himself watched from a luxury suite, also wearing a MAGA hat.

Air Force One with President Donald Trump on board flies over the scoring tower at the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race as it flies near Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

Weather Delays the Action

The race was halted after just eight laps due to heavy rain, which was expected to cause a long delay. Despite the interruption, the enthusiasm remained high, as NASCAR has long been associated with a conservative-leaning fan base that aligns with Trump’s messaging.

Trump’s Longstanding Ties to Sports

A passionate sports fan, Trump frequently attends major sporting events, from college football games to UFC matches. His return to the Daytona 500 underscored his ongoing appeal among racing fans, further cementing his connection to the NASCAR community.

Herbert Bauernebel

Herbert Bauernebel has been reporting from New York since 1999 and currently works for Bild.de, OE24 TV, and US Live. He also runs the news portal AmerikaReport.de. Bauernebel has covered nearly all major US events of the past quarter-century, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama’s election, Donald Trump’s surprise victory, the pandemic, last year’s election showdown, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills. He has also reported firsthand on international events, including the Asian tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and the Fukushima disaster. He lives in Brooklyn with his family and holds degrees in communication and political science from the University of Vienna. Bauernebel is the author of a book about his experiences on 9/11, And the Air Was Full of Ash: 9/11 – The Day That Changed My Life.