Is NASCAR the Key to America's Golden Age? Exploring Trump's Remarks at the Daytona 500

Former President Donald Trump salutes during a flyover while attending the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (Pool via AP)

By  NEWS BLEND 360

Updated 4:58 PM EST, February 16, 2025

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (NB360) — Donald Trump attended the Daytona 500 for the second time as president on Sunday, describing the opening event of the NASCAR series as a unifying experience with a spirit that he believes will “fuel America’s Golden Age” under his leadership.

In a statement released while flying to Daytona Beach, Florida, Trump remarked that the Daytona 500 unites people from diverse backgrounds through a “shared passion for speed, adrenaline, and the thrill of the race.”

“From the engines roaring on the track to ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ echoing through the stands, the Daytona 500 is a timeless tribute to the speed, strength, and unyielding spirit that make America great,” Trump stated. “That spirit will fuel America’s Golden Age, and if we harness it, the future is truly ours.”

Trump declared in his Jan. 20 inaugural address that “the golden age of America begins right now.”

Air Force One, carrying President Donald Trump, flew over the scoring tower at the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race as it approached Daytona International Speedway. Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Air Force One flew over the Daytona International Speedway before landing. Trump traveled from West Palm Beach, Florida, airport with several guests, including his son Eric, his wife, grandson Luke, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and his wife, Kathryn, according to the White House. Several members of Congress accompanied Trump.

His motorcade arrived at the speedway by driving onto part of the track. Trump’s limousine later led drivers in two ceremonial laps, and he spoke on the radio to encourage them to have fun and stay safe.

“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.”

President Donald Trump, accompanied by his granddaughter Carolina, attends the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Trump was at the race in 2020 while campaigning for a second term. He was honored as the grand marshal of NASCAR’s biggest and most prestigious event of the year and gave the command for drivers to start their engines. Air Force One performed a flyover, and his limousine drove on the speedway then as well.

Sunday’s race began in front of a sold-out crowd but was stopped about an hour later after eight laps due to heavy rain, which was expected to cause a lengthy delay. The sport’s fans are often seen as leaning conservative, and many in the stands on Sunday wore red caps with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. Trump, watching the race from a suite, also wore a MAGA cap.

A sports enthusiast, Trump left the race during the rain delay, slightly earlier than planned. He is an avid golfer and attends college football games and UFC matches.

Last weekend, the Republican made history as the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl.