Donald Trump’s Expected Daytona 500 Appearance Raises Concerns With Fans

President Donald Trump is expected to attend the Daytona 500, sparking concern among fans. As the event approaches, many have shared their worries linked to Trump’s previous visits, where significant accidents have occurred.

CBS News senior correspondent Ed O’Keefe shared the report to social media. He noted possible plans for Trump’s armored limousine, “The Beast,” to do laps around the track, recalling Trump’s 2020 appearance.

“START YOUR ENGINES: Per @NicoleSganga @kristincbrown and me: President Trump will attend the Daytona 500 next Sunday, Feb 16, multiple people tell us. We’re told we may ‘see the Beast do a few laps on the track.’ Trump was previously there in 2020.”

Reflecting on Trump’s history with the Daytona 500, his attendance in 2001 coincided with the tragic death of NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Sr. after a crash on the final lap.

In 2020, Trump attended the Daytona 500 as President, with responsibilities including signaling the start of the race. During this race, Ryan Newman experienced a violent crash on the final lap.

More News: Donald Trump Set To Make 2025 Daytona 500 Appearance – Report

Fans have been taking to social media to react to the reports, drawing connections between Trump’s attendance and accidents at past events. One fan wrote:

“So the two times he’s gone to the 500 Dale Earnhardt died and Ryan Newman almost died…if I’m a driver looking at a 50/50 shot of buying it I’m sending him some tweets to stay home…”

Others echo these sentiments, predicting misfortunes for certain drivers while some use dark humor to comment on the event. These concerns indicate a widely shared belief in a pattern of bad luck tied to Trump’s presence, which contrasts with the view of supporters who see his attendance as a positive sign of endorsement. Other fans have posted:

“And then at the Coke 600 it rained preventing Kyle Larson from doing the double.”

“Last time Trump showed up to a race God decided to show his displeasure with the dips**t and hell rain down on the track and the race was called early.”

“Well that’s a 50/50 chance a driver dies.”

Note: All views from fans do not reflect that of Newsweek.

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2025 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule

Regular Season

• Feb. 2: Winston-Salem (Clash) – 8 p.m., FOX
• Feb. 16: Daytona 500 – 2:30 p.m., FOX
• Feb. 23: Atlanta – 3 p.m., FOX
• Mar. 2: Austin – 3:30 p.m., FOX
• Mar. 9: Phoenix – 3:30 p.m., FS1
• Mar. 16: Las Vegas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
• Mar. 23: Homestead – 3 p.m., FS1
• Mar. 30: Martinsville – 3 p.m., FS1
• Apr. 6: Darlington – 3 p.m., FS1
• Apr. 13: Bristol – 3 p.m., FS1
• Apr. 20: Off (Easter)
• Apr. 27: Talladega – 3 p.m., FOX
• May 4: Texas – 3:30 p.m., FS1
• May 11: Kansas – 3 p.m., FS1
• May 18: North Wilkesboro (All-Star) – 8 p.m., FS1
• May 25: Charlotte – 6 p.m., Prime Video
• June 1: Nashville – 7 p.m., Prime Video
• June 8: Michigan – 2 p.m., Prime Video
• June 15: Mexico City – 3 p.m., Prime Video
• June 22: Pocono – 2 p.m., Prime Video
• June 28: Atlanta – 7 p.m., TNT
• July 6: Chicago street course – 2 p.m., TNT
• July 13: Sonoma – 3:30 p.m., TNT
• July 20: Dover – 2 p.m., TNT
• July 27: Indianapolis – 2 p.m., TNT
• Aug. 3: Iowa – 3:30 p.m., USA
• Aug. 10: Watkins Glen – 2 p.m., USA
• Aug. 16: Richmond – 7:30 p.m., USA
• Aug. 23: Daytona – 7:30 p.m., NBC

Playoffs

• Aug. 31: Darlington – 6 p.m., USA
• Sept. 7: St. Louis – 3 p.m., USA
• Sept. 13: Bristol – 7:30 p.m., USA
• Sept. 21: New Hampshire – 2 p.m., USA
• Sept. 28: Kansas – 3 p.m., USA
• Oct. 5: Charlotte road course – 3 p.m., USA
• Oct. 12: Las Vegas – 5:30 p.m., USA
• Oct. 19: Talladega – 2 p.m., NBC
• Oct. 26: Martinsville – 2 p.m., NBC
• Nov. 2: Phoenix – 3 p.m., NBC