Rumors are swirling about Donald Trump’s return to the Daytona 500 this Sunday, five years after his dramatic 2020 appearance as a sitting president. Back then, Trump’s grand entrance—Air Force One landing at Daytona Beach, the presidential limo taking a lap around the track—was nothing short of theatrical. Now, reports suggest that Trump might be back for another headline-stealing moment at NASCAR’s biggest event.
However, not everyone is buying into the spectacle. Bubba Wallace, the sport’s only full-time African-American driver, has made it crystal clear that he’s not interested in the political hype.
Bubba Wallace: “We’re Here to Race, Not for the Show”
During media day ahead of the 2025 Daytona 500, Wallace was asked about Trump’s possible presence at the race. His response? Pure indifference.
“Couldn’t care less.”
The 23XI Racing driver, who qualified third for Sunday’s race, is laser-focused on the competition—not political distractions.
“We’re here to race, not for the show.”
Wallace’s words send a clear message: NASCAR is about racing, not political theater.
The 2020 Clash: Wallace vs. Trump
Wallace’s history with Trump dates back to 2020, when the former president attacked him on Twitter over the controversial Talladega noose incident.
During that year’s civil rights protests, a garage pull rope tied like a noose was discovered in Wallace’s stall at Talladega Superspeedway. NASCAR launched an investigation, and drivers stood in solidarity with Wallace.
But after the FBI determined the rope had been there since 2019 and was not a targeted hate crime, Trump publicly blasted Wallace, calling the situation a “hoax” and demanding an apology.
“Has @BubbaWallace apologized to all of those great NASCAR drivers & officials who came to his aid, stood by his side… only to find out that the whole thing was just another HOAX?” — Donald Trump, 2020
Wallace’s response was classy and dignified, refusing to engage in political back-and-forth.
“Always deal with the hate being thrown at you with LOVE!… Love should come naturally as people are TAUGHT to hate. Even when it’s HATE from the POTUS.”
Wallace Avoiding Political Drama in 2025
While Wallace once used his platform to push for inclusivity in NASCAR, including running a Black Lives Matter paint scheme, he has since stepped away from political discussions.
In a recent interview with Fox Sports, Wallace admitted that engaging in political discourse is exhausting and unproductive.
“Investing my time into that seems like a waste of time… It’s just too much negativity that it’s going to take years and years and years to get rid of, and we don’t have time for that.”
Instead, Wallace is keeping his head down and focusing on racing—especially as he looks to snap his Daytona 500 losing streak and capture his first Cup Series victory since 2022.
If Trump Returns, Expect a Media Circus
Whether Trump actually shows up on Sunday remains to be seen. While the FAA notice suggests he may attend, NASCAR has yet to confirm his presence.
But one thing’s for sure: If Trump does return, it will dominate the headlines, just like in 2020. Some fans will cheer, others will roll their eyes, but Bubba Wallace? He’ll be too busy chasing victory lane to care.
🚨 Will Trump’s rumored Daytona 500 appearance shake things up? Or will Wallace’s focus on racing prove to be the real story? Let’s hear your thoughts! 🚨
