At 86 years old, Richard Petty remains as iconic as ever, his trademark cowboy hat and sunglasses making him a living embodiment of NASCAR’s golden era. But at the 2025 Daytona 500, “The King” shared the spotlight in an unexpected way—with none other than former President Donald Trump.
What began as a historic meeting between NASCAR royalty and political power quickly became one of the defining images of the weekend, blending the sport’s deep-rooted traditions with America’s ever-present political theater.
And in true Daytona fashion, it wasn’t without a little unexpected drama.
The Photo That Became an Instant Classic
When Trump, the 47th President of the United States, posed with Petty, it was more than just a handshake—it was a moment dripping in symbolism.
No. 43 standing next to No. 47.
Petty’s legendary No. 43 car paired with Trump’s presidential number was a subtle, yet powerful alignment of two titans in their respective worlds.
For NASCAR fans, it was a meeting of two men who have left an undeniable mark on the sport—Petty, as its most decorated driver, and Trump, who revived the tradition of presidents attending the Daytona 500 during his first term in 2020.
But the moment took an even more bizarre and amusing turn right after the photo-op.
The King Meets the Secret Service: A Daytona Security Check for the Ages
No one—not even NASCAR’s greatest legend—was above Secret Service protocol on race day.
Shortly after his exchange with Trump, Petty was politely pulled aside for a routine security screening, much to the delight and disbelief of race fans.
“You’d think The King wouldn’t require a pit stop for the Secret Service,” one fan joked.
But rules are rules, even at Daytona International Speedway, where Petty is practically stock car racing’s Mount Rushmore carved into real life.
Despite the unexpected checkpoint, Petty—forever the showman and gentleman—handled it with ease. He was reportedly laughing throughout the process, nodding along and making light of the situation as agents did their job.
After all, this wasn’t his first presidential encounter.
A Long History of NASCAR and the White House
Petty is no stranger to rubbing shoulders with U.S. presidents.
- In 1984, President Ronald Reagan famously attended the Firecracker 400 at Daytona to witness Petty’s record-breaking 200th and final career win.
- Over the decades, Petty has met and interacted with multiple presidents, making him one of the few athletes to maintain a long-standing connection to the White House.
Trump’s presence at the 2025 Daytona 500 only continued NASCAR’s historic ties to American leadership, reinforcing its status as one of the most deeply American sporting spectacles.
But, despite all the high-profile guests in attendance, it was Petty’s laid-back grace and good humor during his security check that made one of the weekend’s most talked-about moments.
The King’s Impact, On and Off the Track
From winning seven Cup Series championships to scoring an unprecedented 200 race victories, Richard Petty has long been more than just a driver—he is the heart and soul of NASCAR.
So, even if he had to raise his arms for a security check, it only reinforced what fans already knew—Richard Petty doesn’t need to drive anymore to own the moment.
Whether it’s posing with presidents, enduring unexpected pit stops with the Secret Service, or simply walking through the Daytona garage, The King is always in the driver’s seat.
