President Trump became the first president in American history to drive a lap around the track at the Daytona 500. Watch the video below and click here to follow my YouTube television channel.
Tens of thousands of patriotic race car fans cheered and even the other drivers were impressed when “The Beast” made its lap around the track.
“Well, I think it’s fantastic,” President Trump told Fox Sports. “It’s great for the country. Our country is doing well again and we have spirit all over the world. The spirit again — we’ve brought it back and it’s been less than four weeks. And you’ll can see what we will do in a little period of the time. It’s going to get better, but this is very exciting….[Drivers] have a lot of courage doing this. It’s — I see it and I’ve been here and they have a lot of — they have a lot of guts as they would say.”
Air Force One flew over the speedway before it landed at Daytona International Airport. Cheers from the crowd were heard on the FOX broadcast as the pre-race hosts talked to Chase Elliott.
One NASCAR driver said having a president on hand Sunday for “one of our biggest days of the year is special.”
“It certainly brings a lot of eyes and a different perspective to what we do down here for this race,” said Chase Elliott.
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Trump released a statement ahead of landing at the airport. He will be the first sitting president to attend two Daytona 500 races at Daytona International Speedway. He attended the race the first time in February 2020. He was also the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl game.
“This iconic race showcases the fastest, most fearless drivers in motorsports, who represent our Nation’s love of tradition, competition, and automotive innovation,” the statement read. “The Daytona 500 brings together people from all walks of life—from lifelong racing fans to first-time spectators—they all join in celebrating 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. That spirit is what will fuel America’s Golden Age, and if we harness it, the future is truly ours.”
The president also saluted the brave men and women in the U.S. military.
Trump also thanked U.S. military members for their service and the crowd roared when cameras showed the president saluting during the national anthem.
“Since the very beginning, NASCAR has carried forth a proud tradition of honoring our heroic Service members for their unwavering courage,” the statement added. “While fans from around the world gather today at Daytona International Speedway, we extend our unending gratitude to the selfless men and women in uniform who risk their lives to keep us safe. When the engines start or the checkered flag waves, and all 500 thrilling miles in between, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Guardians stand ready to defend cherished traditions like this—and for that, we are truly thankful.
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