The Daytona 500 is no stranger to high-profile guests, but this year’s race is set to make headlines beyond the world of motorsports. Five years after Donald Trump became the second sitting U.S. president to attend the Great American Race, he is expected to return, once again bringing the Commander-in-Chief spotlight to the biggest event in NASCAR.
But what do the sport’s biggest stars think about this? Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch shared their thoughts on what this moment means for the race—and for NASCAR as a whole.
A Presidential Lap to Remember
Back in 2020, Trump’s arrival at Daytona was nothing short of a spectacle. Air Force One roared over Daytona Beach, setting the stage for an unforgettable entrance. The First Lady joined him trackside as he delivered the iconic “Gentlemen, start your engines!” command, igniting the crowd.
But Trump didn’t just stick to the grandstand. In a historic first, he climbed into The Beast, the presidential limousine, and led the 40-car field in a ceremonial lap around the 2.5-mile superspeedway—a moment that left fans and drivers buzzing.
Chase Elliott: “It’s Special”
For Chase Elliott, the return of a sitting president to NASCAR’s biggest stage is a major win for the sport. Speaking ahead of the race, Elliott expressed his appreciation for the attention it brings.
“Yeah, I think just having a sitting president come and be part of one of our biggest days of the year—certainly our biggest event of the year—I think is special and certainly brings a lot of eyes and a different perspective to what we do down here,” Elliott said. “Always thought it was really cool.”
Elliott also recalled a past tradition where presidents would call the Daytona 500 winner after the race. “I remember the sitting president used to call the winner. I don’t know if you’ll remember that or not, but there were some stories about that happening. I don’t know if that happens now. It’s just a cool thing.”
The 2020 Daytona 500 wasn’t a race to remember for Elliott—he finished P17—but this time around, he enters the event with major momentum after dominating at Bowman Gray, where he won both the Heat and Main Race. Could this finally be the year he claims NASCAR’s crown jewel?
Kyle Busch: “Anytime You Bring in Big Names, It’s Great”
For Kyle Busch, the presence of a U.S. president at the Daytona 500 only amplifies the spectacle of the race.
“I mean, anytime you get big-name people who come to the 500… I remember watching, wasn’t Reagan one of the first ones that came?” Busch recalled.
Busch, who has been a part of countless celebrity-filled pre-race festivities, pointed to the impact of A-list appearances, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who attended last year.
“Celebrities doing pre-race, National Anthem, The Rock was here last year. Myself and Brexton got a picture. That was cool. Anytime we are able to bring in big-name people to our sport, I think it shines a brighter light on just how great of an event this is.”
A Tradition of Presidential Appearances
If Trump does make his return to Daytona, he will become only the third sitting president to attend NASCAR’s biggest race.
- Ronald Reagan was the first in 1984, famously delivering the start command from Air Force One before witnessing Richard Petty’s historic 200th victory.
- George H.W. Bush followed in 1992, attending the race in an era when NASCAR was skyrocketing in national popularity.
- Trump’s 2020 visit, complete with his parade lap, was the most theatrical presidential appearance in NASCAR history.
Will Trump’s Return Overshadow the Racing?
With the Daytona 500 just days away, the speculation surrounding Trump’s possible return adds another layer of intrigue to an already blockbuster event. While some fans see it as a political distraction, others embrace the added attention it brings to the sport.
Either way, one thing is certain: when Air Force One touches down in Daytona, the spotlight on NASCAR will be brighter than ever.
