Trump takes track to open Daytona 500

President Trump took to the track to open the Daytona 500 race Sunday. 

Trump arrived at the Daytona 500 on Sunday afternoon with his full motorcade on the speedway. He made about a quarter of a lap before pulling aside. 

Trump is on the track at the #Daytona500 @realDonaldTrump #DaytonaDonald pic.twitter.com/5Pbj8xQko6

— Timothy Martin (@TRMFTL) February 16, 2020

“My fellow race fans, the Daytona 500 is a legendary display,” he said after emerging to applause from the crowd. 

Trump thanked the “tens of thousands of patriots” gathered at the Daytona International Speedway for the race, which he called “pure American glory.” 

The president told the crowd that no matter who wins, “what matters most is God, family and country.” 

Trump was met at the airport by NASCAR officials. 

First lady Melania Trump is expected to attend the race with him, along with Reps. Bill Posey (R-Fla.) and Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) as well as Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), according to the White House.