Air Force One flew in low over the track, spurring roaring cheers from the thousands of fans gathered for the annual Daytona 500.
Trump’s full motorcade, including the presidential limousine, “The Beast,” then entered the track via the speedway, making roughly a quarter lap before pulling aside in an infield staging area.
As grand marshal, Trump will be giving the command for drivers to start their engines.
But beforehand, the president briefly addressed his “fellow race fans,” calling the contest, “pure American glory.”
“The Daytona 500 is a legendary display,” he said, adding that “no matter who wins, what matters most is God, family and country” and thanking members of the armed forces.
“Rubber will burn, fans will scream and the great American race will begin,” he declared, ending his remarks to chants of “USA, USA.”
Trump is only the second president ever to attend the Daytona 500, after George W. Bush.
About 100,000 people were expected to attend this year’s race and millions more were set to watch on TV.
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