Danica Patrick Represents NASCAR as Athletes Rush To President Trump’s Inauguration Party

Retired NASCAR driver and Indy Car racer Danica Patrick has managed to stay in the headlines for some time now. Her controversial opinions, like her remarks about racing not being “normal in a feminine mind” have given her quite a reputation. She never fails to speak her mind, no matter how controversial it might sound. In recent years, she has been very outspoken about her political affiliations but, has remained at the forefront of events as a NASCAR representative.

After her retirement in 2018, she became a broadcaster. But, now, things seem to be going in another direction. Recently, she attended Donald Trump’s second inauguration party. She had been vocal about her support since last year. Does a new role await her after being a racer and a broadcaster?

Danica Patrick’s Involvement in Trump Campaigns

Danica Patrick was among other celebrities attending the 47th President Donald Trump’s inauguration party in Washington, D.C. The guest list consisted of actors, influencers, tech giants, and sportspersons. The sports star attendees included Boxer Jake Paul and his brother Logan Paul, NHL Legend Wayne Gretzky, and UFC champion Conor Mcgregor. UFC in particular had a lot of members coming up to the inauguration ceremony. It might not be a surprise for fans, especially since Trump has long-standing ties with UFC’s Dana White. Even famed podcaster Joe Rogan was in the crowd.

Moving on, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also present during the ceremony. With the United States set to play host to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, incoming President Donald Trump’s tenure will see massive sports events taking place all over the country.

As for Danica Patrick, she wasn’t shy of showing her support. On Monday, she uploaded an Instagram story showcasing a black leather jacket with the American flag design on the back and the USA engraved down the arms. The jacket looked straight out of the NASCAR racetrack! Late in 2024, Danica Patrick had also moderated a Q&A session for JD Vance before Donald Trump’s election as the 47th President in 2024.

However, perhaps the biggest NASCAR entity present at the event was Richard Petty. After all, who better to be the face of North Carolina than the King himself? With seven titles in his cabinet, Richard Petty had long established himself as a true pioneer of motorsports in America, and as a result, one of his cars was chosen to be on presentation. Petty’s 170 Plymouth Superbird is going to be showcased at the Inauguration ceremony. As a fan of NASCAR, Donald called on him as a representative of North Carolina, the birthplace of the sport. Rebecca Petty, his daughter, got the wheels of the offer rolling!

Speaking about the opportunity, the King joked, “I said, ‘If you let Trump ride in it, I’ll send it up there!’ But anyhow, they’re going to send one of the deals. One of my daughters is going with the car, so I thought it was a pretty big deal to be invited just to be in the parade. And then we’re going to be able to take one of the racecars out of the museum and put it in the parade, so it’s a big deal for the Petty crowd anyway.” 

With the ceremony over and NASCAR in full swing, let’s examine the ties NASCAR has shared with US Presidents.

It wasn’t Richard Petty’s first time meeting a President

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Richard “The King” Petty’s Iconic Memorabilia Set to Shine at Donald Trump’s Inaugural Parade

With an incredible legacy in American motorsports, Richard Petty truly established himself as an icon. It meant he was recognised by some of the most powerful people of their times, US Presidents. Recalling one such incident, Richard Petty revealed the details of a White House visit and an interaction with former President Barack Obama. Petty recalled, “So I go over and put my boots on. She says you can’t go to the White House with cowboy boots on. I said, I am going to the Whitehouse and I am gonna wear my cotton pickin boots… Obama came by and told the guy, said, ‘hey, you’re sitting with the king there’, and the guy said, ‘he’s not the king’.

On another occasion during the Southern 500, President Richard Nixon was among the people watching the race. After Petty went on to win, he found President Nixon waiting for him in the victory lane in an incredible moment for the driver. The moment was even included in the Petty Museum. Just a few years later, Petty also visited President Busch in the White House.

These incidents are a warm reminder of the work Richard Petty has put into racing. It’s not just titles that he’s remembered for. The King put NASCAR on the map for American fans as well.