Daytona 500

2025 - 2 - 17

When Politics Meets NASCAR: Trump, Rain, and the Daytona 500

nascar Daytona 500 - Donald Trump - Florida Events - Motorsport - NASCAR - NASCAR Cup Series - Rain Delay - William Byron - nascar

What happens when the President shows up at the Daytona 500, but Mother Nature joins the party? Buckle up for a wild ride!

The 2025 Daytona 500, known as the "Great American Race," was set to be a spectacular event this year, especially with President Donald Trump making an appearance for the second time in office. Enthusiastic fans flocked to Daytona Beach, Florida, ready to cheer on their favorite drivers at this annual motorsport spectacular. President Trump described the Daytona 500 as a unifying event, embodying the spirit of NASCAR that he believes will propel America into its "Golden Age." But alas, as much as the excitement was palpable, Mother Nature had other plans for race day.

Just as the engines roared to life and 11 laps were underway, the skies turned ominous, delaying the race due to inclement weather. The anticipation in the air quickly transformed into gazes skyward as spectators were left guessing whether or not the race would resume. Leading the pack was defending champion William Byron, who might have felt both exhilarated and disappointed as reality set in — racing was on hold due to rain. Fans made the most of the break, sharing pictures and videos of the event online, even capturing glimpses of Trump interacting with fellow NASCAR enthusiasts, and some good-natured joking about his post-Super Bowl tour.

Trump’s presence at the race was more than just a fleeting moment of star power. He utilized the publicity of the Daytona 500 to emphasize the importance of unity among Americans and the rich heritage of NASCAR. The crowds watched in delight as Trump waved to fans, which added more fuel to the NASCAR fire circulating about his championship speech. Discussions were influenced by his comments about the sport being a beacon of hope during these challenging times. There’s something undeniably thrilling about this convergence of politics and motorsport – it's a high-octane cocktail of patriotism and adrenaline.

Despite the rain delaying the race, the digital age had already ensured that fans were glued to their screens sharing memes about the event. Trump’s attendance and the rain delay stirred up discussions of bets and odds among racing enthusiasts online. They pulled out predictions for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, and viewers prepared for a rollercoaster season of fuel, speed, and perhaps political drama on the racetrack. In other news unrelated to rain or engines, have you heard that pineapple on pizza made a surprisingly triumphant return this week too? We’re juggling politics, NASCAR, and pizza debates here!

Did you know that the Daytona 500 is not only a prestigious event for NASCAR fans but also has a habit of attracting a wide range of celebrities? Over the years, stars from Brad Paisley to the cast of "Duck Dynasty" have made appearances, adding to the event's high-profile nature. Additionally, the race, which began in 1959, is often referred to as the "Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing," with an audience that can rival the biggest global events. Ponder that while gripping your nachos next race day!

Presidential Message on the 2025 Daytona 500 (Whitehouse.gov)

Today, I look forward to joining tens of thousands of American Patriots in Daytona Beach, Florida, for the “Great American Race”—the legendary Daytona.

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

President Donald Trump makes Daytona 500 appearance at ... (USA TODAY)

After making an appearance at the Super Bowl, President Trump has shown up to the Daytona 500 as well. Here are pictures and video from the event.

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Image courtesy of "NASCAR"

Daytona 500 under delay due to inclement weather (NASCAR)

The 67th running of the Daytona 500 is under delay into inclement weather. 11 of 200 laps have been completed.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

Daytona 500 live updates: 2025 NASCAR Cup Series opener red ... (Yahoo Sports)

It's been 14 weeks since Joey Logano won his third NASCAR Cup Series championship in Phoenix and now it's finally time to start the 2025 campaign with the ...

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Image courtesy of "ESPN"

Daytona 500 stopped by rain after 11 laps, Trump appearance - ESPN (ESPN)

Rain has stopped the Daytona 500 on Sunday after 11 laps and an appearance by President Donald Trump, with defending champion William Byron leading the ...

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Image courtesy of "Hendrick Motorsports"

DAYTONA 500 rain delay: William Byron leads as caution waves for ... (Hendrick Motorsports)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - At 2:12 p.m., the yellow flag waved at Daytona International Speedway, bringing the 67th DAYTONA 500 to a screeching halt just nine ...

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

Trump attends the Daytona 500 and says the spirit of NASCAR will ... (Yahoo Sports)

Donald Trump, attending Sunday's Daytona 500, for the second time as president, called the opening event of the NASCAR series a unifying event that ...

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Image courtesy of "NASCAR"

The Action Network: Daytona 500 odds, expert picks for 'Great ... (NASCAR)

The 67th running of the Great American Race -- the Daytona 500 -- kicks off the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series regular season.

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

Trump attends NASCAR's Daytona 500 for the second time as ... (CBS News)

President Trump attended Sunday's Daytona 500, a race that he said is a unifying event with a spirit that will "fuel America's Golden Age.".

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Image courtesy of "CBSSports.com"

2025 Daytona 500 props, odds, best bets, expert predictions ... (CBSSports.com)

Phil Bobbitt and Steve Greco revealed their NASCAR picks for sites like PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, Sleeper Fantasy, and DraftKings Pick6.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

Daytona 500 live updates: 2025 NASCAR Cup Series opener ... (Yahoo Sports)

It's been 14 weeks since Joey Logano won his third NASCAR Cup Series championship in Phoenix and now it's finally time to start the 2025 campaign with the ...

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

Video: Communication expert has theory on Trump's strategy behind ... (CNN)

President Donald Trump attended the Daytona 500, NASCAR's premiere race in Daytona, Florida, shortly after he made history as the first sitting US president ...

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

The Latest: Castroneves, three former series champs crash in ... (Yahoo Sports)

Ross Chastain, Helio Castroneves, Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr. were involved in the first big one of the Daytona 500. The seven-car wreck ...

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Image courtesy of "KGET 17"

Daytona 500 resumes after lengthy rain delay; Trump on hand for ... (KGET 17)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Daytona 500 has resumed after two weather delays totaling more than 3 1/2 hours, and with President Donald Trump set to watch ...

Van Gisbergen's 'wild' Daytona 500 debut delayed by rain (Speedcafe)

Inclement weather stopped the Daytona 500 just 11 laps into the first points-paying NASCAR Cup Series race of the year. - Australia's #1 motorsport news ...

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Image courtesy of "ESPN"

William Byron races to second straight Daytona 500 victory - ESPN (ESPN)

William Byron, of Hendrick Motorsports, raced his way to a second straight Daytona 500 victory on Sunday night, taking the rain-delayed NASCAR Cup opener in ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

William Byron wins second straight Daytona 500 after Trump takes ... (The Guardian)

William Byron has won the Daytona 500 for the second time in as many years after a lengthy rain delay on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

Daytona 500: William Byron wins his second straight Daytona 500 ... (Yahoo Sports)

William Byron won his second straight Daytona 500 after a last-lap wreck took out race leader Denny Hamlin on the backstretch. Byron took over the lead when ...

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Image courtesy of "NASCAR"

William Byron wins back-to-back Daytona 500s (NASCAR)

For the second consecutive year, William Byron takes home the checkered flag in the 'Great American Race' at Daytona International Speedway.

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Image courtesy of "PlanetF1"

2025 Daytona 500 race results for the NASCAR Cup Series (PlanetF1)

William Byron may have won the 2025 Daytona 500, but we've got the full-field results for the 40 other drivers all in one place.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Watch: Trump's motorcade drives lap of Daytona 500 racetrack (BBC News)

The president opened the Nascar season with a flyby and lap in front of the racing cars.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

The Daytona 500 is no longer defined by racecraft, it's all about ... (Yahoo Sports)

The restrictor plates that NASCAR mandated in the engines prevented cars from pulling away from each other and created pack racing. Pack racing created crashes ...

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Image courtesy of "NASCAR"

Late wrecks highlight desperation that comes in Daytona 500 chase (NASCAR)

Multiple wrecks to close out the 67th running of the Daytona 500 bring light to the desperations drivers feel chasing Daytona 500 victory.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

Daytona 500: William Byron wins second straight after last-lap crash (Yahoo Sports)

William Byron won his second straight Daytona 500 after a last-lap wreck took out race leader Denny Hamlin on the backstretch. Byron took over the lead when ...

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Image courtesy of "ESPN"

Byron's second straight Daytona 500 win kept NASCAR guessing ... (ESPN)

The only thing that's certain about the Daytona 500 is that nothing's for certain, except, lately, William Byron winning NASCAR's signature race.

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Image courtesy of "KTVA"

Trump attends the Daytona 500 and says the spirit of NASCAR will ... (KTVA)

Trump says the opening ...

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Image courtesy of "ESPN Australia"

Byron's second straight Daytona 500 win kept NASCAR guessing ... (ESPN Australia)

The only thing that's certain about the Daytona 500 is that nothing's for certain, except, lately, William Byron winning NASCAR's signature race.

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Image courtesy of "FOX 7 Austin"

NASCAR Daytona 500 winner: William Byron in back-to-back wins (FOX 7 Austin)

The NASCAR Daytona 500 champion is a familiar name: William Byron. He won the big race in 2024 -- and now in 2025.

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Image courtesy of "Hendrick Motorsports"

WIlliam Byron wins second straight DAYTONA 500, gives Hendrick ... (Hendrick Motorsports)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Winning time is William time. The sample size is now too large to make a case otherwise. William Byron added yet another bullet point ...

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

Winners, losers from 2025 Daytona 500 won by William Byron (Yahoo Sports)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A look at the winners and losers from Sunday night's Daytona 500.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo News"

Donald Trump's Daytona 500 Spectacle Fuels Accusations Of ... (Yahoo News)

As did Trump's earlier flyover of the track aboard Air Force One. Critics slammed the stunts' cost to taxpayers. They also recalled the money that would have ...

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Image courtesy of "PBS NewsHour"

William Byron avoids late wrecks to win 2nd straight Daytona 500 for ... (PBS NewsHour)

Ninth in the No. 24 Chevrolet with one lap left, Byron became the first back-to-back winner since Denny Hamlin in 2019-20.

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Image courtesy of "PlanetF1"

Daytona 500 is 'equally challenging' compared to F1, says Montoya (PlanetF1)

Juan Pablo Montoya — a former driver who has competed in both Formula 1 and the NASCAR Cup Series — spoke out before the race about how the two disciplines ...

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Image courtesy of "Spectrum News"

Livonia native part of crew that helped Byron win 2nd straight ... (Spectrum News)

Ryan "Rudy" Fugle is the crew chief for William Byron's No. 24 car.

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Trump attends the Daytona 500 and says the spirit of NASCAR will ... (ABC News)

President Donald Trump says the spirit of NASCAR will “fuel America's Golden Age.” ByDARLENE SUPERVILLE Associated Press. February 16, 2025, 5 ...

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Image courtesy of "Hendrick Motorsports"

All the sights as William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports win another ... (Hendrick Motorsports)

At the end of a wild race, William Byron was once again in victory lane at Daytona International Speedway. Check out all the scenes from Sunday's DAYTONA ...

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

What could have been for some on last lap of Daytona 500 proved ... (Yahoo Sports)

William Byron went from running seventh on the backstretch on the last lap of the race to winning.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

What Rick Hendrick said about breaking Daytona 500 wins record ... (Yahoo Sports)

Hendrick Motorsports now stands alone. After Sunday's NASCAR race, no one has more Daytona 500 wins as a team owner than Rick Hendrick.

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Image courtesy of "NASCAR"

'Not all luck': Byron threads needle, enters Daytona ether with back ... (NASCAR)

William Byron keeps breaking records and putting Daytona 500 cars on display, riding a sea-parting victory in the "Great American Race."

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