Nascar pilots will reach almost 200 mph speeds when the green flag greets for Daytona 500 on Sunday as the season begins at the Daytona International Speedway.
President Donald Trump was present for the beginning of the “great American race.” He led the pilots in a lap before the race began. It is the second time he attended the event.
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President Donald Trump shakes with the driver of the Nascar Hall of Fame, Richard Petty, at Nascar Daytona 500 in Daytona International Speedway, on Sunday, February 16, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raux)
Before the call to the pilots to start their engines, Trump spoke with Jamie Little of Fox Sports and applauded the runners for competing in the event.
“They have a lot of courage doing this. I see it and have been here,” said the president. “They have many guts, as they would say.”
Trump, whom his granddaughter joined the track, highlighted the progress of the United States since her second term began as president.
“I think it’s fantastic. I think it’s great to the country,” he said. “The country is fine again. We have spirit worldwide. There is a spirit again, we brought it back and has spent less than four weeks. You will see what we do in a small period of time. It will only get better. But this It’s very exciting. “
Trump had a message for drivers on their radios before the green flag was stirred.
President Donald Trump, with the granddaughter Carolina, speaks during an interview at Nascar Daytona 500, Sunday, February 16, 2025, in Florida. (Ap Photo/Chris O’Meara)
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“This is your favorite. I am a great admirer. I am a great admirer of you. People and great people and the great Americans.
Trump promoted the American spirit in a statement before reaching Daytona Beach, Florida.
“This iconic career shows faster and more brave drivers in motoring, which represent the love of our nation for tradition, competition and automotive innovation,” reads the statement. “The Daytona 500 brings together people from all areas of life, from the fans of the lifelong races to the first -time spectators, everyone joins to celebrate a passion shared by speed, adrenaline and the emotion of the race .
“From the roar of the engines on the track to the echo of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ flying through the stands, the Daytona 500 is a timeless tribute to speed, strength and unwavering spirit that makes me make me make it The United States is great.
President Donald Trump greets when he arrives at the Daytona Beach International Airport on Sunday, February 16, 2025, on the way to Nascar’s Daytona 500. (Pool through AP)
The president joined the song by Eric Trump, Luke Trump, the Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, John Paul Duffy, Patrick Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Kathryn Burgum, Sens. Todd Young and Ashley Moody, and Jason representatives Smith, Byron Donalds. and Mike Haridopolos.
