Trump Returns to Daytona 500, Hails ‘America’s Golden Age’
February 16, 2025
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Adeola Adeosun is the Newsweek Weekend Night Editor based in Atlanta, Georgia. Her focus is reporting on U.S. national news, politics and trends. Adeola joined Newsweek in 2024 and has previously worked for CNN, Bossip, and The Messenger. You can get in touch with Adeola by emailing a.adeosun@newsweek.com. Languages: English.
Adeola Adeosun
Weekend Night Editor
news article
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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President Donald Trump is attending today’s Daytona 500, NASCAR’s most prestigious racing event, where he spoke of the race as a unifying force that will “fuel America’s Golden Age.” Air Force One landed after buzzing Daytona International Speedway, followed by the presidential motorcade riding on a portion of the track.
Newsweek contacted the White House via email on Sunday for comment.
Why It Matters
Trump’s attendance at NASCAR’s season opener underscores the intersection of sports and national leadership, coming after his historic first-ever presidential Super Bowl appearance last Sunday.
U.S. President Donald Trump is greeted by Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 SUNNYD Chevrolet and Zane Smith, driver of the #38 Speedy Cash Ford prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at… U.S. President Donald Trump is greeted by Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 SUNNYD Chevrolet and Zane Smith, driver of the #38 Speedy Cash Ford 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)
What To Know
The president traveled to Daytona Beach with his son Eric, grandson Luke, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and his wife Kathryn, and several members of Congress.
The visit mirrors his 2020 appearance when he served as grand marshal. In his White House message, Trump characterized the event as the “Great American Race” and the official start to the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, emphasizing its role in bringing together diverse Americans through their shared passion for racing.
Daytona 500 Details
Track: Daytona International Speedway
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Track length: 2.5 miles
When: Sunday, 1:30 p.m. ET
Where to tune in: FOX, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Race purse: $30,331,250
Race distance: 200 laps | 500 miles
Stages: 65 | 130 | 200
Defending winner: William Byron, February 2024
Starting lineup: Chase Briscoe, Austin Cindric on front row
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump said in a statement: “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.”
NASCAR Driver Chase Elliott on Trump’s appearance: “It certainly brings a lot of eyes and a different perspective to what we do down here for this race.”
U.S. President Donald Trump takes a selfie with former NASCAR Cup series driver, Greg Biffle (R) and NASCAR Hall of Famer, Richard Petty prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway… U.S. President Donald Trump takes a selfie with former NASCAR Cup series driver, Greg Biffle (R) and NASCAR Hall of Famer, Richard Petty 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)
What Happens Next
The race is underway at Daytona International Speedway, where tens of thousands of spectators have gathered for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series opening event.
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