WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) 鈥� , attending Sunday's , for the second time as president, called the opening event of the NASCAR series a unifying event that possesses a spirit that will 鈥渇uel America's Golden Age鈥� 鈥� which he has said would happen under his leadership.
In a presidential message released as he flew to Daytona Beach, Florida, Trump said the Daytona 500 brings together people from all walks of life in a 鈥渟hared passion for speed, adrenaline and the thrill of the race.鈥�
鈥淔rom the roar of the engines on the track to the echo of 鈥楾he Star-Spangled Banner鈥� soaring through the stands, the Daytona 500 is a timeless tribute to the speed, strength and unyielding spirit that make America great,鈥� Trump said. 鈥淭hat spirit is what will fuel America鈥檚 Golden Age, and if we harness it, the future is truly ours.鈥�
Trump said in his Jan. 20 inaugural address that 鈥渢he golden age of America begins right now."
Air Force One buzzed the Daytona International Speedway before it landed. Trump traveled from West Palm Beach, Florida, airport with several guests, including his son Eric, his wife, grandson Luke, Transportation Secretary and Interior Secretary and his wife, Kathryn, the White House said. Several members of Congress are traveled with Trump.
His motorcade arrived at the speedway by driving onto a portion of the track. Trump's limousine later led drivers on two ceremonial laps and he went on the radio to urge them to have fun and be safe.
鈥淭his is your favorite president. I鈥檓 a big fan. I am a really big fan of you people. How you do this I don鈥檛 know, but I just want you to be safe," Trump said. "You鈥檙e talented people and you鈥檙e great people and great Americans. Have a good day, have a lot of fun and I鈥檒l see you later.鈥�
Trump was at while running for a second term. He was given the honor of being grand marshal of NASCAR's biggest and most prestigious event of the year and delivered the command for drivers to start their engines. Air Force One did a flyover and his limousine drove on the speedway back then, too.
Sunday's race got underway in front of a sold-out crowd but that was expected to cause a lengthy delay. The sport's fans are seen as leaning conservative and many in the stands on Sunday wore red caps that said 鈥淢AGA鈥� for Trump's 鈥淢ake America Great Again" slogan. Trump, who watched the race from a suite, also wore a MAGA cap.
Trump, a sports fan, left the race during the rain delay but slightly ahead of when he was scheduled to depart. He is an avid golfer and attends college football games and UFC matches.
Last weekend, the Republican made history as the .
Darlene Superville, The Associated Press
