Trump attended the race in February 2020 and issued the command for drivers to start their engines.
In another appearance that burnishes his lifelong love of professional sports, President Donald Trump will attend the Daytona 500 on Feb. 16 for the second time as commander-in-chief.
In a presidential message released as he flew to Daytona Beach, Florida, Trump said the Daytona 500 brings together people from all walks of life in 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’ soaring through the stands, the Daytona 500 is a timeless tribute to the speed, strength, and unyielding spirit that make America great,” Trump said. “That spirit is what will fuel America’s Golden Age, and if we harness it, the future is truly ours.”
Trump began his appearance at the event with his granddaughter Carolina and greeting race car drivers on the track. Trump was greeted with cheers as his motorcade drove slowly around the track followed by a procession of race cars.
Sunday’s race got underway in front of a sold-out crowd but was halted about an hour later after eight laps because of heavy rain that was expected to cause a lengthy delay.
Trump first attended the race in February 2020 during his reelection campaign and was named grand marshal of NASCAR’s largest and most prestigious event of the year. He issued the famous command, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” and rode onto the Daytona International Speedway in the presidential limousine after flying overhead in Air Force One.
During the 2016 election, NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Brian France endorsed Trump.
Trump made history last weekend by becoming the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl. The avid golfer has also attended numerous college football games and UFC fights, adding to his decades-long interest in sports.
During a 2020 interview with FOX News, Trump described the bravery and courage of drivers pursuing “pure American glory” as what he enjoys most about NASCAR.
By Jacob Burg
