I’m Kristen Lago WESH Two Sports. Thank you, Kristen. President Trump is set to arrive in Central Florida tomorrow for the Daytona 500. WESH Two’s Senait Gebregiorgis reports on how local law enforcement agencies are preparing for the expected crowds. Just a week after making history as the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl, President Trump will be in Volusia County on Sunday for the Daytona 500. “He represents all people from all walks of life, whether it’s football or motocross; who knows where he might show up next?” said Christie Burnett, visiting from Oregon. The Great American Race draws tens of thousands of fans to the area, making it a lucrative time for local businesses. “I didn’t even know he was coming, but that’s pretty cool. I’m sure it’s going to be even crazier now, hopefully boosting our profits,” said Chris Rodriguez who arrived from Miami. Fans greeted Trump as Air Force One flew over Daytona International Speedway. “He’s my guy! I think he’s very patriotic and truly cares about our country,” shared Vicky McClenathan from Port St. Lucie. As in previous years, local law enforcement is collaborating to ensure everyone’s safety. In a statement to WESH Two, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood emphasized, “An event of this magnitude requires constant coordination, communication, and teamwork, which is exactly what we’re doing to ensure the safety of every race fan, visitor, and the general public. We have extensive experience with this event, and we are 100% committed to having a safe and successful Speedweeks, regardless of the president’s potential visit.” Fans are simply thrilled to be part of the experience, continuing a beloved tradition while creating new memories. “It’s the essence of America when you’re out here. It’s wonderful to see families and fathers with their kids,” said Mac McClenathan from Port St. Lucie. “I’ve watched Daytona on TV, but it was a dream – I told her ages ago, ‘One day we will come here and watch this race,’ and today is that day,” added David Burnett from Oregon.
Covering Volusia County in 2025.
President Trump expected to attend Daytona 500, local law enforcement on high alert
Updated: 10:17 PM EST Feb 15, 2025
President Donald Trump is expected to attend the Daytona 500 in Volusia County on Sunday, drawing large crowds and heightened security. This comes just one week after becoming the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl. “He represents all people and all walks of life, and all like, you know, football, motocross; you know, who knows where he might show up next?” said Christie Burnett, visiting from Oregon. The Great American Race brings tens of thousands of people, and for the businesses, it’s like Christmas in February. Related: Crash course for the 67th running of the Daytona 500. “I actually didn’t even know that he was coming, but that’s cool that he is,” said Chris Rodriguez, visiting from Miami. “I’m sure it’s going to be even crazier now and hopefully boost our sales.” In 2020, fans welcomed Trump to the event as Air Force One soared over Daytona International Speedway. “He’s my guy anyway. I think he’s a very patriotic person and I genuinely believe he cares about our country,” commented Vicky McClenathan from Port St. Lucie. As always, local law enforcement agencies are collaborating to ensure the safety of everyone. “An event of this magnitude requires constant coordination, communication, and teamwork, and that’s exactly what we’re doing to ensure the safety of every race fan, every visitor, and the general public,” said Mike Chitwood, Volusia County Sheriff, in a statement to WESH Two. Regardless of the president’s possible visit, fans are just delighted to be here to uphold a cherished tradition while forging new memories. “It’s the fabric of America when you’re out here. It’s a joy to see families, fathers with their kids,” said Mac McClenathan from Port St. Lucie. “I’ve watched Daytona on TV, but it was a dream. I told her long ago, ‘One day we’re going to watch this race live,’ and this is that day,” said David Burnett from Oregon. If you’re eager to catch all the high-speed action of the Daytona 500, click here to learn how to tune in. More: Daytona 500 weather forecast: Showers could impact races this weekend.
President Donald Trump is expected to attend the Daytona 500 in Volusia County on Sunday, drawing large crowds and heightened security.
This comes just one week after becoming the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl.
“He represents all people and all walks of life, and all like, you know, football, motocross, you know, who knows where he might show up next?” said Christie Burnett, visiting from Oregon.
The Great American Race brings tens of thousands of people, and for the businesses, it’s like Christmas in February.
Related: Crash course for the 67th running of the Daytona 500
“I actually didn’t even know that he was coming, but that’s cool that he is,” said Chris Rodriguez, visiting from Miami. “I’m sure it’s going to be even crazier now and hopefully make more money.”
In 2020, fans welcomed Trump to the race as Air Force One flew over Daytona International Speedway.
“He’s my guy anyway. I think he’s a really patriotic person and I believe he really genuinely has an interest in our country,” said Vicky McClenathan, visiting from Port St. Lucie.
Like every year, local law enforcement agencies work together to protect everyone.
“An event of this magnitude requires constant coordination, communication, and teamwork, and that’s exactly what we’re doing to ensure the safety of every race fan, every visitor, and the general public,” said Mike Chitwood, Volusia County sheriff in a statement to WESH 2.
Regardless of the president’s possible stop, fans are just happy to be here so they can continue a tradition and make new memories.
“It’s the fabric of America when you’re out. It is fun to watch. I love watching families, fathers with their kids,” said Mac McClenathan, visiting from Port St. Lucie.
“I’ve watched Daytona on TV, but it was a dream – I told her a long time ago, ‘One day we’re going to be able to come here and watch this race,’ and this is that one day,” said David Burnett, visiting from Oregon.
If you’re eager to catch all the high-speed action of the Daytona 500, click here to learn how to tune in.
More: Daytona 500 weather forecast: Showers could impact races this weekend
