A former President of the United States is returning to Daytona International Speedway, albeit in the form of a Cup Series car scheme.
Joe Gibbs Racing announced on Aug. 20 that Ty Gibbs will have a different scheme on the No. 54 Toyota Camry XSE, one promoting Dennis Quaid's new film. The veteran actor portrays Ronal Reagan in the biopic, "Reagan," which lands in theaters on Aug. 30.
Ty Gibbs' No. 54 will hit Daytona with a special REAGAN movie scheme! Watch Dennis Quaid as the 40th President in theaters worldwide on August 30.#NASCAR @TyGibbs @ReaganMovie @DAYTONA pic.twitter.com/0osBldxBUI
— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) August 20, 2024
The scheme includes multiple images of Quaid as he portrays the 40th President of the United States in the film's poster. This is set against a backdrop featuring treetops and an American flag. The release date of the film takes up prominent space on the hood and sides of the stock car.
"Ty Gibbs is the next NASCAR superstar," Quaid said in a press release. "The Coke Zero 400 is a global stage and I'm thrilled the fans will get a glimpse of 'Reagan' during the race.
"These fans are my kind of people and I know they'll be inspired by the remarkable story in this film."
Photo credit: Joe Gibbs Racing
The location of the scheme's debut is fitting. After all President Reagan visited Daytona International Speedway on July 4, 1984.
President Reagan was on hand as Richard Petty won his 200th race in the NASCAR Cup Series, the Firecracker 400. He was also involved in the post-race interview.
This July event marked Petty's final trip to victory lane before he retired from stock car racing.
"Of all the presidents that's ever been in the United States, this is the first one that's ever showed up at a race track," Petty said during his post-race interview.
Gibbs will now showcase 'Reagan' during his return to Daytona International Speedway for his fifth start at the 2.5-mile Florida superspeedway.
The reigning Rookie of the Year made his debut at the track during the summer of 2022 while serving as a replacement driver for 23XI Racing. He finished 13th. Gibbs has since finished 25th, 35th, and 17th at Daytona while driving for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Saturday night's race will be crucial for Gibbs. This is a race that he could use to improve his playoff chances considering that he is 39 points above the cutline. A win would lock up an automatic playoff spot while a strong points day would potentially give him more of a cushion heading to the regular-season finale at Darlington.
"It's great to have 'Reagan' on our car for Daytona," Gibbs said. "Hopefully, we can put the car in victory lane much like when President Reagan was at Daytona 40 years ago."