On a rain-soaked, dreary day in Daytona Beach, Florida, President Donald Trump became the second U.S. president ever to attend the NASCAR Daytona 500. He didn’t just make an appearance, however. He climbed into the presidential limousine for a ceremonial warmup lap around the Daytona International Speedway.
After President Trump, who acted as the race’s grand marshal, delivered the legendary command, “Gentleman, start your engines,” all 100,000 fans roared in jubilation as Air Force One performed a flyover.
The President then climbed into his armored presidential limousine, nicknamed “The Beast,” and merged onto the track to take a warmup quarter lap before the start of the Great American Race.
When asked specifically what it was that made him such a fan of NASCAR, Trump said, “For 500 heart-pounding miles these fierce competitors will chase the checkered flag… and make their play for pure American glory, and that’s what it is, pure American glory.”
He went on to add that the Daytona 500 was, “a legendary display of roaring engines, soaring spirits, and the American skill, speed, and power that we’ve been hearing about for so many years. I think it’s really the bravery of these people. It takes great courage.”
The Trump campaign planned to run a reelection ad during the Fox broadcast of the Daytona 500 as well as fly an ariel banner near the racetrack. Trump left the track just after 3:30 pm, as the race was eventually postponed due to two separate lengthy rain delays. The race is scheduled to begin this afternoon at 4:00 pm.
President George W. Bush was the first to announce the official command at the Daytona 500 in 2004, the year Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the race for the first time. Earnhardt Jr. was in attendance Sunday to wave the green flag as an honorary guest.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan became the first U.S. president to attend a NASCAR race. He issued the commencement command “Gentlemen, start your engines!” from aboard the Air Force One.
President Bill Clinton, who was only a candidate at the time, also attended a NASCAR race in September 1992 at the Southern 500 in Darlington, S.C.
Although President Barak Obama never made an appearance at a NASCAR event, he often invited the Cup Series champion to the White House. He was also presented with the opportunity to sponsor a car but eventually declined.
