Trump hits the track at Daytona 500 in presidential limo

DAYTONA Seaside, Fla.  — President Donald Trump gave an election-12 months embrace to NASCAR and its enthusiasts Sunday when he grew to become the next president at any time to go to the Daytona 500. The presidential motorcade took to the track to be a part of in a heat-up lap immediately after he had informed the group that the racers and their teams had been competing “for pure American glory.”

Following a recitation of the opening command, “Gentleman, commence your engines,” Trump received into his black limousine for a ceremonial spin all around Daytona Intercontinental Speedway. He had joked moments previously in a Fox interview that though as president, he was not permitted to push his possess auto, ” I’m heading to hop into one of these cars and I am heading to get into this race if feasible. I adore the idea.’’

Presented the honor of grand marshal for the race, Trump gave thousands of enthusiasts a flyover of Air Power A single and then rode onto the track in the presidential motorcade as the audience roared with delight. The motorcade took approximately a quarter lap before pulling apart in an infield staging region.

Asked what it was about NASCAR that he most savored, the president mentioned, “I feel it’s definitely the bravery of these men and women. … it takes good braveness.’’

President George W. Bush appeared at the race for the duration of his reelection 12 months.

“For 500 heart-pounding miles these fierce competitors will chase the checkered flag … and make their perform for pure American glory, and that’s what it is, pure American glory,’’ Trump mentioned before the race.

He mentioned the Daytona 500 was “a legendary display of roaring engines, soaring spirits and the American talent, speed and ability that we have been hearing about for so a lot of years. The tens of thousands of patriots here right now have come for the quickly cars and the world-class motorsports. But NASCAR enthusiasts in no way fail to remember that no make a difference who wins the race, what matters most is God, spouse and children and country.’’

Trump’s reelection marketing campaign prepared to run an advertisement for the duration of the Fox broadcast of the race and fly an aerial banner around the speedway. About 100,000 men and women had been expected to go to this year’s race though millions additional viewed on tv. About nine million men and women took in previous year’s race on tv.

Trump tweeted Sunday morning: “Getting all set to go to the Daytona 500. Will be Fantastic!”

After his scheduled return Sunday evening to Washington, Trump will embark later on this coming 7 days on a Western state swing that will acquire him to rallies in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The journey is another demonstration of Trump’s willingness to marketing campaign not just in conservative strongholds but in states that lean Democratic, specifically Colorado, the place Republican Sen. Cory Gardner faces a tricky reelection struggle. Arizona is expected to be a vital swing state in the presidential election with its growing population of Hispanic voters.