Donald Trump leads drivers around Daytona 500 during flying visit
Donald Trump paid a flying visit to the iconic race, saluting fans as ‘your favourite president’ as he led drivers around the circuit in The Beast | WATCH
US President Donald Trump paid a flying visit to the Daytona 500 on Sunday, saluting the iconic race as a celebration of American culture as the NASCAR season got under way.
In the latest visit by Mr Trump to a high-profile sporting event, Air Force One performed a flyover of the Daytona International Speedway before the race.
Mr Trump, who last week became the first sitting president ever to attend the Super Bowl, was subsequently ferried to the circuit in Florida in a presidential motorcade.
The US leader’s limousine, dubbed The Beast, then led drivers around the race circuit while he addressed the participants via a radio message.
“This is your favourite president,” Mr Trump could be heard telling the drivers. “I’m a big fan. I am a really big fan of you people. How you do this I don’t know, but I just want you to be safe.
“You’re talented people and you’re great people and great Americans. Have a good day, have a lot of fun and I’ll see you later.”
Mr Trump also stopped to speak on the Fox Sports broadcast.
“I think it’s fantastic,” he said of the Daytona 500. “It’s great for the country. Our country is doing well again and we have spirit all over the world. There’s spirit again, we brought it back. And it’s been less than four weeks. So, you’ll see what we do in a little period of time, it’s gonna only get better. But this is very exciting.”
Mr Trump travelled with several guests, including his son Eric, grandson Luke, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
In a pre-race message released earlier by the White House, Mr Trump said the Daytona 500 embodied American values that he hoped would usher in a new “Golden Age” for the nation.
“The Daytona 500 brings together people from all walks of life – from lifelong racing fans to first-time spectators – they all join in celebrating a shared passion for speed, adrenaline, and the thrill of the race,” Mr Trump said.
“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.
“That spirit is what will fuel America’s Golden Age, and if we harness it, the future is truly ours.”
Mr Trump left the circuit during a lengthy rain delay which disrupted the race during the early laps.
AFP/The New York Post
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