U.S. President Donald Trump is driven around the track prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump made an appearance at the 2025 Daytona 500 on Sunday, marking the second time he has attended NASCAR’s premier event as president. He praised the sport and its fans, described the race as a symbol of national unity and resilience and called the 2025 Daytona 500 race as event that will “fuel America’s Golden Age.”

In a message released while en route to Daytona Beach aboard Air Force One, Trump said the Daytona 500 is a “celebration of speed, adrenaline, and national pride.”

Air Force One is seen for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

“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,” Trump said. “That spirit is what will fuel America’s Golden Age, and if we harness it, the future is truly ours.” The reference to a “Golden Age” is a theme Trump has frequently championed since his second inaugural address on January 20, 2025.

Before landing in Daytona, Air Force One performed a flyover over the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway. Trump traveled to Daytona from West Palm Beach, Florida and was accompanied by several guests, including his son Eric Trump, his wife, grandson Luke, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and his wife, Kathryn. Several members of Congress also joined Trump on the trip.

After arriving at the track, his motorcade made a grand entrance at the speedway, driving onto a portion of the track before his presidential limousine, known as “The Beast,” led drivers on two ceremonial laps.

During the pace laps, Trump address drivers over the race radio. He said, “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. “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.”

This marks Trump’s second visit to the Daytona 500 while serving as president. In 2020, during his first term, he was named grand marshal of the event and gave the ceremonial command for the drivers to “Start your engines.” That year, he also participated in a ceremonial lap in his presidential limousine. His appearance at the 2025 Daytona 500 was just a week after he attended the Super Bowl in New Orleans.