President Trump expected to attend Daytona 500, local law enforcement on high alert
Updated: 2:37 PM EST Feb 16, 2025
President Donald Trump is expected to attend the Daytona 500 in Volusia County on Sunday, drawing large crowds and heightened security. This comes just one week after becoming the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl.”He represents all people and all walks of life, and all like, you know, football, motocross, you know, who knows where he might show up next,” said Christie Burnett, visiting from Oregon.The Great American Race brings tens of thousands of people, and for the businesses, it’s like Christmas in February.Related: Crash course for the 67th running of the Daytona 500 “I actually didn’t even know that he was coming, but that’s cool that he is,” said Chris Rodriguez, visiting from Miami. “I’m sure it’s going to be even more crazier now and hopefully make more money.”In 2020, fans welcomed Trump to the race as Air Force One flew over Daytona International Speedway.”He’s my guy anyway. I think he’s a really patriotic person and I believe he really genuinely has an interest in our country,” said Vicky McClenathan, visiting from Port St. Lucie.Like every year, local law enforcement agencies work together to protect everyone.”An event of this magnitude requires constant coordination, communication, and teamwork, and that’s exactly what we’re doing to ensure the safety of every race fan, every visitor, and the general public,” said Mike Chitwood, Volusia County sheriff in a statement to WESH 2.Regardless of the president’s possible stop, fans are just happy to be here so they can continue a tradition and make new memories.”It’s the fabric of America when you’re out. It is fun to watch. I love watching families, fathers with their kids,” said Mac McClenathan, visiting from Port St. Lucie.”I’ve watched Daytona on TV, but it was a dream – I told her a long time ago, ‘One day we’re going to be able to come here and watch this race,’ and this is that one day,” said David Burnett, visiting from Oregon.If you’re eager to catch all the high-speed action of the Daytona 500, click here to learn how to tune in.More: Daytona 500 weather forecast: Showers could impact races this weekend
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. —President Donald Trump is expected to attend the Daytona 500 in Volusia County on Sunday, drawing large crowds and heightened security.
This comes just one week after becoming the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl.
“He represents all people and all walks of life, and all like, you know, football, motocross, you know, who knows where he might show up next,” said Christie Burnett, visiting from Oregon.
The Great American Race brings tens of thousands of people, and for the businesses, it’s like Christmas in February.
Related: Crash course for the 67th running of the Daytona 500
“I actually didn’t even know that he was coming, but that’s cool that he is,” said Chris Rodriguez, visiting from Miami. “I’m sure it’s going to be even more crazier now and hopefully make more money.”
In 2020, fans welcomed Trump to the race as Air Force One flew over Daytona International Speedway.
“He’s my guy anyway. I think he’s a really patriotic person and I believe he really genuinely has an interest in our country,” said Vicky McClenathan, visiting from Port St. Lucie.
Like every year, local law enforcement agencies work together to protect everyone.
“An event of this magnitude requires constant coordination, communication, and teamwork, and that’s exactly what we’re doing to ensure the safety of every race fan, every visitor, and the general public,” said Mike Chitwood, Volusia County sheriff in a statement to WESH 2.
Regardless of the president’s possible stop, fans are just happy to be here so they can continue a tradition and make new memories.
“It’s the fabric of America when you’re out. It is fun to watch. I love watching families, fathers with their kids,” said Mac McClenathan, visiting from Port St. Lucie.
“I’ve watched Daytona on TV, but it was a dream – I told her a long time ago, ‘One day we’re going to be able to come here and watch this race,’ and this is that one day,” said David Burnett, visiting from Oregon.
If you’re eager to catch all the high-speed action of the Daytona 500, click here to learn how to tune in.
More: Daytona 500 weather forecast: Showers could impact races this weekend
