It is this year's Daytona 500 and President is the Grand Marshal. That means he got to deliver the iconic words in auto racing “Gentleman, start your engines.” The iconic American car racing competition is held annually by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, NASCAR.
The US President and his wife Melania flew in on Airforce One just 800 ft over the location at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, sending NASCAR fans wild with excitement. Chants of "USA USA," "4 more years," "Trump Trump" could be heard.
In brief remarks before the over hundred thousand fans President Trump thanked military servicemen and veterans. He also said in part, “NASCAR fans never forget that no matter who wins the race, what matters most is God, family, country....Rubber will burn, fans will scream and the great American race will begin,” the President said.
In a short interview with FOX Sports, he said he is a fan of the NASCAR race and has attended four times in the past. "It is a great American renaissance thing...," the President said.
The President in his presidential limo called "The Beast," did a lap at the Daytona International Speedway before the start of the race.
As Grand Marshal of the race, the President delivered the famous words "gentlement start your engines," starting the race.
The Trump-Pence presidential campaign ran a widely praised ad on big FOX network which is broadcasting the race.
Trump reportedly managed to get back to Washington DC in time to attend the wedding of his aide Stephen Miller at the Trump hotel.
