NASCAR drivers will hit speeds of practically 200 mph when the inexperienced flag waves for the Daytona 500 on Sunday because the season begins at Daytona Worldwide Speedway.
President Donald Trump was available for the beginning of the “Great American Race.” He led the drivers on a lap earlier than the race began. It’s the second time he’s attended the occasion.
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President Donald Trump shakes fingers with NASCAR Corridor of Fame driver Richard Petty on the NASCAR Daytona 500 at Daytona Worldwide Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Daytona Seaside, Florida. (AP Picture/John Raoux)
Forward of the decision for drivers to begin their engines, Trump talked to FOX Sports activities’ Jamie Little and applauded the racers for competing within the occasion.
“They have a lot of courage doing this. I see it and I’ve been here,” the president stated. “They have a lot of guts, as they would say.”
Trump, who was joined on the observe by his granddaughter, highlighted the progress of the US since he began his second time period as president.
“I think it’s fantastic. I think it’s great for the country,” he stated. “The country is doing well again. We have spirit all over the world. There’s spirit again, we brought it back and it’s been less than four weeks. You’ll see what we do in a little period of time. It’s gonna only get better. But this is very exciting.”
Trump had a message for the drivers on their radios earlier than the inexperienced flag waved.

President Donald Trump, with granddaughter Carolina, speaks throughout an interview on the NASCAR Daytona 500, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Florida. (AP Picture/Chris O’Meara)
NASCAR FANS CHEER AS TRUMP ARRIVES FOR DAYTONA 500 IN AIR FORCE ONE
“This is your favorite. I’m a big fan. I’m a really big fan of you people. (How) you do this, I don’t know. But I just want you to be safe. You’re talented people and great people and great Americans. Have a good day. Have a lot of fun and I’ll see you later.”
Trump touted the American spirit in a press release earlier than he arrived in Daytona Seaside, Florida.
“This iconic race showcases the fastest, most fearless drivers in motorsports, who represent our Nation’s love of tradition, competition, and automotive innovation,” the assertion learn. “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 observe to the echo of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ hovering by way of the stands, the Daytona 500 is a timeless tribute to the velocity, energy, and unyielding spirit that make America nice. That spirit is what is going to gasoline America’s Golden Age, and if we harness it, the long run is actually ours.”

President Donald Trump waves as he arrives at Daytona Beach International Airport, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, en route to NASCAR’s Daytona 500. (Pool via AP)
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The president was joined at the track by Eric Trump, Luke Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, John Paul Duffy, Patrick Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Kathryn Burgum, Sens. Todd Young and Ashley Moody, and Reps. Jason Smith, Byron Donalds and Mike Haridopolos.
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