NASCAR drivers are set to reach speeds approaching 200 mph when the Daytona 500 kicks off on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway. Former President Donald Trump will be present to start the “Great American Race,” leading the drivers on a lap before the event, marking his second attendance at this iconic race.
Before the engines roared to life, Trump spoke with FOX Sports’ Jamie Little, commending the drivers for their bravery in competing. “They have a lot of courage doing this. I see it and I’ve been here,” he remarked, acknowledging their gutsy efforts.
Accompanied by his granddaughter, Trump reflected on the progress of the United States since the beginning of his second presidential term. “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.”
Prior to the race, Trump sent a message to the drivers over their radios, expressing his admiration: “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 Americans. Have a good day. Have a lot of fun and I’ll see you later.”
In a statement released before his arrival in Daytona Beach, Trump celebrated the Daytona 500 as a showcase of the fastest and most fearless drivers in motorsports, embodying the nation’s love for tradition, competition, and automotive innovation. “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,” he noted. “From the roar of the engines on the track to the echo of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ soaring through the stands, the Daytona 500 is a timeless tribute to the speed, strength, and unyielding spirit that make America great. That spirit is what will fuel America’s Golden Age, and if we harness it, the future is truly ours.