Just a week after attending the Super Bowl, President Donald Trump made an appearance at another iconic American sporting event, the 2025 Daytona 500.
The 47th president arrived at Daytona Beach, Florida, shortly after 1 p.m. ET and reached the Daytona International Speedway soon after. Anticipating his arrival, several drivers and team owners were present. The President took a lap around the 2.5-mile track and was met with loud cheers as he was introduced just as the national anthem was concluding.
This isn’t Trump’s first time attending the Daytona 500, nor is it his first as president. In 2020, Trump visited Florida for the event, serving as the race’s grand marshal, where he gave the ceremonial command to “Start your engines” and paced the field.
While the prominence of Trump’s first appearance is hard to rival, his appearance today was still memorable. Check out pictures and video from the president’s visit to Daytona.
Daytona 500 grand marshal list: Actors, models, presidents who have said, ‘Drivers, start your engines’
WATCH: President Trump at the 2025 Daytona 500
Is Trump the first sitting President to grand marshal the Daytona 500?
No, although he was the first to lead the pace car ahead of the race.
Other presidents who have served as grand marshals for the race include:
- George H. W. Bush (1978) – prior to his presidency
- George W. Bush (2004)
Jimmy Carter is often regarded as the most NASCAR-friendly president. As Georgia’s governor, he hosted three dinners for NASCAR drivers, owners, officials, and media between 1971 and 1975. He also waved the green flag for a NASCAR Cup Series race at the Atlanta International Raceway on April 4, 1971.
