President Donald Trump reprised his role as grand marshal of the Daytona 500, thrilling fans by taking a lap around the track in the presidential limousine, ‘The Beast.’

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

President Donald Trump made a highly anticipated appearance at the Daytona 500 on Sunday, marking his second time presiding over NASCAR’s premier event as commander-in-chief. Trump, who previously served as grand marshal in 2020, led the 41-car field out of the pits at Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

“This is your favorite president,” Trump told drivers and fans during his phone remarks. “I’m a 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, great Americans. Have a lot of fun, and I’ll see you later!”

Trump’s appearance, featuring a lap around the track in the armored presidential limousine nicknamed “The Beast,” was met with cheers from the crowd. His participation in the race’s pre-event ceremonies included delivering a message of encouragement to the drivers and celebrating the spirit of NASCAR, which he described as a showcase of “pure American glory.”

The Daytona 500 appearance followed Trump’s attendance at last week’s Super Bowl LIX, where he became the first sitting president to attend the championship game in person. Since his return to the Oval Office, Trump has made a point of appearing at high-profile sporting events, underscoring his connection to fans and American sports culture.

In a statement to Fox News, Trump reflected on the event’s significance. “I think it’s great for the country,” he said. “Our country’s doing well again, and we have spirit all over the world. We brought it back, and it’s been less than four weeks.”

The day’s festivities also included a dramatic flyover by Air Force One, timed to coincide with Trump’s arrival at the venue. The crowd roared with excitement as the iconic aircraft soared over the track, adding to the patriotic energy of the event.

NASCAR’s Daytona 500, known as “The Great American Race,” is one of the most celebrated events in motorsports, drawing millions of fans each year. Trump’s presence as grand marshal has further cemented his popularity among the NASCAR community, which is known for its predominantly conservative fan base.

Chase Elliott, a NASCAR driver, noted the significance of having the president attend the race. “One of our biggest days of the year is made even more special with a president on hand. It certainly brings a lot of eyes and a different perspective to what we do down here for this race,” Elliott said.

Sunday’s Daytona 500 continued Trump’s tradition of engaging with sports fans and celebrating events that embody the American spirit. As the crowd cheered him on during his lap in “The Beast,” Trump once again demonstrated his knack for connecting with audiences through the power of shared passions and national pride.