1 of 4 | President Donald Trump on Sunday took a couple laps of the Daytona 500 track in Daytona, Fla. Photo courtesy of President Donald Trump/
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Feb. 16 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump attended Sunday's Daytona 500, 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 on Sunday. "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 one 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," and did ceremonial pace laps around the track before the race started shortly after 2 p.m. EST.
The White House on Facebook posted video 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.
U.S. Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi thanked NASA and other public safety parents for aiding with Trump's visit.
"These operations take a huge team effort, and we're beyond grateful that you always answer the call, go the extra mile and over-deliver," Guglielmi said on X.
Trump became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl when he attended Super Bowl LIX February 9th in New Orleans between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. He watched about half the game.
The Goodyear Blimp floated over the stock car stadium in Daytona to celebrate of the airship's 100th anniversary. There are three in the fleet, with the one at Daytona based in Pompano Beach, Fla.
