From NASCAR royalty to political figures, the 2025 edition of ‘The Great American Race‘ had no shortage of drama. Whether it was Richard Petty sharing an iconic moment with President Donald Trump, unexpected security checks, or a surprise pre-race pep talk that had drivers listening in, Daytona once again proved why it’s the ultimate stage for spectacle.

At 86, Petty is still a larger-than-life figure in NASCAR—his trademark cowboy hat and shades as iconic as the legendary No. 43 car he popularized. So when former President Donald Trump, a special guest at the 2025 Daytona 500, seized the moment to pose with Richard Petty, it was worthy of history.

Richard Petty had to make an unexpected pit stop

It wasn’t any ordinary handshake or photo-op. Richard Petty, always the performer, pulled a little dramatic flourish: standing shoulder to shoulder was number ’43’ standing with number ’47’. This represented his iconic #43 car number with the 47th President of the United States. A simple act, yet one that instantly became a defining image of the event—two icons in their own right, linked by numbers that have long held weight in their respective fields.

But even royals aren’t exempted from the procedure. Soon after the picture, King Petty, as with all else in the audience close to Trump, had to go through a Secret Service checkpoint. Witnesses described the scene in a combination of amusement and disbelief—watching the man who personified stock car racing for decades politely accommodate as agents went through a standard screening. “You’d think the King wouldn’t require a pit stop for the Secret Service,” one chuckled. “But I suppose rules are rules—even for racing royalty.”

 

 

Petty, meanwhile, had it all in stride. Long known for humility in the face of seven Cup Series titles and 200 career victories, he was said to have laughed throughout the process, nodding along in recognition as he complied. After all, this wasn’t his first exposure to security. Having interacted with Presidents stretching back to Ronald Reagan, he’s accustomed to the measures associated with big names. Reagan was there to witness Richard Petty win his 200th and final race.

The irony, naturally, wasn’t lost on race fans. Petty has been an integral part of NASCAR for more than six decades, a presence so deeply entrenched in the sport that he’s essentially stock car racing’s version of Mount Rushmore! If ever there were a list of individuals who might be waved through a checkpoint at Daytona International Speedway, he’d be close to the top.

The timing, while surprising, only contributed to the special flavor of this year’s race weekend. NASCAR, with its strong roots in American culture, has always been a draw for political leaders, and Trump’s visit only continued that tradition. But amidst all the big-name appearances, it was the image of Richard Petty good-naturedly submitting to Secret Service procedure that proved to be one of the most popular moments of the weekend.

Ultimately, Petty did what he always does—exhibit grace, class, and a dash of flair. The King might have had to raise his arms for security screening, but when it came to making an impact, he was still behind the wheel.

Donald Trump Gives Pre-Race Pep Talk to Daytona 500 Drivers

The 2025 Daytona 500 was not short on spectacle, but former President Donald Trump ensured to provide his own dramatic flair prior to the green flag waving. With a pompous entrance worthy of the moment, Trump flew over Daytona International Speedway in Air Force One, causing the jammed grandstands to go wild before touching down. Security was increased throughout the event, with Secret Service making sure all fans and officials went through rigorous checks. But once Trump stepped onto the stage—literally and over the radio—the attention turned to the drivers set to fight it out on the track.

 In a surprising and unusual moment, Trump was given the NASCAR radio, speaking to all 41 competitors seconds before they revved their engines. With the green light given to him, “Mr. President, the radio is yours, sir,” Trump didn’t restrain his excitement.

“This is your favorite President. I’m a big fan. I am a really big fan of you people,” Trump explained through the radio. “How you do this, but just want you to be safe. You’re talented people, great people, and great Americans. Have a good day, have a lot of fun, and I’ll see you later.” Before taking his lap in The Beast—the bulletproof presidential limousine—Trump had a conversation with FOX Sports about the experience. He confessed that he didn’t know what to anticipate, laughing, “I’ll tell you in about two minutes because we’re going to be moving pretty fast, I understand.”

Trump also complimented the drivers on their courage: “I say, they have a lot of courage doing this. I see it and I’ve been here, and they have a lot of guts.” When the engines revved, his words transmitted over the radio—another surprise before the start of the great American race.