Donald Trump, while not typically viewed as a sports aficionado, has had a long and continuous involvement in the sports world. His portfolio ranges from his legendary “Battle of the Billionaires” squabble with Vince McMahon in the WWE, to welcoming the Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, at the White House. His spectacles in the sports domain continued as he recently stirred up excitement at the Daytona 500, cruising around the track in his presidential limo, much to the delight of the spectators.
However, it’s worth noting that Trump’s involvement with sports has not been without controversy. His clash with Bubba Wallace over the noose incident in 2020 is still fresh in our memories. Despite the heat from that controversy, Wallace called for love over hate, even when the hatred originates from the highest office in the land. While Wallace still harbors feelings about the incident, Trump’s return to Daytona elicited a nonchalant response from the 23XI Racing driver, who admitted he “couldn’t care less.”
Trump’s recent visit to the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s headline event, could have been a breeding ground for fresh controversies. But instead, it went off without a hitch, largely due to his speech echoing the sentiments of his “Make America Great Again” campaign at the Great American Race. Danica Patrick, the former NASCAR driver, reflected on Trump’s visit in a positive light.
Patrick, who was thrilled by Trump’s appearance, believed that the NASCAR community, known for its conservative leanings, was an ideal setting for him. She credited this compatibility for the warm reception he received. She underscored the uncontroversial nature of his visit and praised his speech that resonated with the spirit of NASCAR and America at large. According to her, the Daytona 500, with its thundering engines and stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” is a testament to the speed, strength, and indomitable spirit that define America.
Patrick painted Trump as a relatable figure, emphasizing his ability to engage authentically with people without seeming rehearsed. This aura of authenticity, she believes, is one of his key appeals to NASCAR fans. Patrick’s support for Trump isn’t a recent development. She has been an active supporter of his policies and even took part in his campaign for the 2024 presidential election, which marked her debut in the U.S. electoral process.
Her admiration for Trump extends beyond politics. She appreciates his business acumen and leadership style and believes his extensive experience in business qualifies him as a competent leader. This transition from a racecar driver to a vocal Trump supporter has been a significant shift in her public image since she retired from professional racing.
Trump’s Daytona visit has set a precedent for more high-profile visitors to future races. As the anticipation builds, NASCAR is all set to thrill fans with another exciting year of racing and entertainment, featuring an array of celebrities and personalities.
While Patrick may have retired from professional racing, she continues to be a prominent figure in motorsports. She has been active in various media roles, including anchoring Sky Sports F1 coverage. Despite her conspicuous absence from Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” Season 7, allegedly due to backlash over her political affiliations, she continues to advocate for gender equality in motorsports.
Patrick’s post-retirement career also includes her podcast “Pretty Intense” and a luxury candle line, VOYANT by Dani, reflecting her varied interests beyond racing. As she navigates this new chapter in her life, her influence on motorsports remains significant, inspiring others to pursue their passion for racing.