Entertainment
WATCH: Daytona 500 Crowd Goes Wild For Trump, Incredible National Anthem Performance
Exactly one week after making a triumphant entrance at Super Bowl LIX, President Donald Trump received a warm welcome from NASCAR fans when his motorcade arrived at the Daytona International Speedway for the iconic Daytona 500.
About an hour before the race, Air Force One did a flyover before the president headed to his motorcade. Upon arrival, the motorcade made its way onto the track while Trump’s car did two ceremonial laps, drawing cheers from the crowd.
A few moments later, Michael Aiello of the United States Air Force Singing Sergeants performed an exhilarating rendition of the national anthem. As the Star Spangled Banner played, the crowd was treated to a military flyover before the broadcast panned to President Trump, who was saluting the flag. Much like the Super Bowl, Trump received a loud pop from the crowd when he was shown on the screen.
Sporting a red “Make America Great Again” hat, the commander-in-chief proceeded to mingle with drivers ahead of the legendary “drivers, start your engines” command, which was presented by Hollywood actor Anthony Mackie.
Sunday marked the second time Trump, as president, has attended “The Great American Race.” The president previously attended the race in 2020, when he served as the grand marshall for NASCAR’s most prestigious event and gave drivers the command to start their engines.
This time around, the president travelled with several guests, including his son Eric, grandson Luke, granddaughter Carolina, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and his wife, Kathryn, the White House said. Several members of Congress are also traveling with the presidential delegation.
When asked what he enjoyed the most about NASCAR in 2020, Trump praised drivers for their courage and determination in chasing “pure American glory.”
He described the Daytona 500 as 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. The tens of thousands of patriots here today have come for the fast cars and the world-class motorsports. But NASCAR fans never forget that no matter who wins the race, what matters most is God, family and country.”
