DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The 41 Cup Series drivers had a different pace car leading the way around Daytona International Speedway on Sunday afternoon. The Beast took on pre-race ceremonies at NASCAR's biggest event.
The heavily armored limousine ferried President Donald Trump around the 2.5-mile superspeedway on Sunday after Anthony "Captain America" Mackie told drivers to start their engines. The Beast then pulled out onto the track with multiple Chevrolet Blazer EV SS pace cars behind it. One held "Reacher" star Alan Ritchson.
The Beast did not simply drive around the track while the 41 Cup Series drivers followed. President Trump also delivered a message to the competitors over the radio.
President @realDonaldTrump addresses the drivers before the 2025 Daytona 500. pic.twitter.com/DP9hXWjDpm
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 16, 2025
"This is your favorite president," Trump said. "I am a big fan, a really big fan of you people. How you do this, I don't know, but I just want you to be safe.
"You're talented people and you're great people and great Americans. Have a good day, have a lot of fun, and I'll see you later."
With that message delivered, the Beast pulled off the track and headed to a VIP suite where President Trump would watch a portion of the Great American Race.
According to the schedule provided by the White House, Air Force One was set to depart the airport a few hours after the race began. This coincided with the expected arrival of a rainstorm.
Sunday was not the first time that President Trump's limo completed some laps. It also did so in 2020. The president served as the grand marshal for the race, and he told the drivers to start their engines. He then climbed into the Beast and led the field on pace laps around the track.
The 2020 Daytona 500 was also affected by the weather. Heavy rain forced NASCAR to postpone the race to the following Monday. Denny Hamlin ultimately won after a last-lap crash collected Ryan Newman and other drivers.