Feb. 16 (UPI) — President Donald Trump attended the Daytona 500 on Sunday, arriving just before the green flag dropped on the first race of the NASCAR season.
“This iconic race showcases the fastest, most fearless drivers in motorsports, who represent our Nation’s love of tradition, competition, and automotive innovation,” Trump said in a statement released by White House Saturday night. “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.”
Trump paid tribute to military service members in his message.
It’s the sixth time Trump has attended a NASCAR season opener with his last once in 2020 as president.
Trump departed from Mar-a-Lago and arrived at Daytona Beach International Airport aboard Air Force One with his son, Eric, daughter-in-law, Lara, and their two kids, Luke and Carolina. He was taken by motorcade to the nearby speedway.
He rode in his limousine, known as “The Beast,” as did ceremonial pace laps around the track before the race started shortly after 2 p.m. EST.
The White House on Facebook posted video was posted from the Fox broadcast of the laps that included some other vehicles from the motorcade with the description “President Trump, The Beast, and the Daytona 500 — it doesn’t get more American than that!”
It also was on Trump’s Truth Social page.
The president addressed the drivers over the radio during his pace laps.
“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.”
On Facebook, NASCAR also welcomed Trump and his family to the speedway.
After 11 laps, the race was delayed because of heavy rain.
Trump became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl. He watched about half the game in New Orleans.
The Goodyear Blimp floated over the stadium in celebration of the airship’s 100th anniversary. There are three in the fleet, with the one at Daytona based in Pompano Beach, Fla.
