By Jerry Jordan, Editor
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — President Donald J. Trump became the first-ever U.S. President to pace the field of the Daytona 500 as his drivers pulled “The Beast” to point with 40 roaring racecars behind him and 101,000 screaming fans cheering him on.
Shortly after President Trump, who was accompanied by First Lady Melania at his side, gave the command, “Gentlemen, start their engines, NASCAR’s race director Tim Bermann, came over the radio and said, “Mr. President and first lady, will you please do us the honor of leading the field for the Daytona 500.”
After making a lap with the field in tow, Trump responded, “Drivers, this is President Trump. It was an honor to open the Daytona 500. Have a phenomenal day, have a great race, be safe. God bless you, we love you.”
Trump and his detail then drove back into the infield to the Daytona 500 Club, presumably to watch the start of the race but a brief rain shower postponed the start of 62nd running of the Daytona 500 and the group exited the track through the Turn 1 tunnel.
After 20 laps, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the lead, heavy rains came and the race was eventually postponed until Monday at 4:05 p.m. EST. It will be broadcast on FOX.
President @realDonaldTrump talks to the drivers on the radio before the Daytona 500. pic.twitter.com/pTZFuPn2Ec
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 16, 2020
