A few days back when the NASCAR world was buzzing with President Donald Trump’s possible attendance at Daytona, Bubba Wallace wasn’t losing sleep. The 30-year-old NASCAR driver had brushed off the rumors and said, “Couldn’t care less.” His comments reflected the bitterness of his past feud with Trump.
Notably, in 2020, a noose was found in Wallace’s garage stall at Talladega Superspeedway, sparking nationwide controversy. When an FBI investigation determined that it was not a targeted hate crime, Trump accused Wallace of pushing a “hoax.” He even demanded an apology from Wallace. However, Wallace received widespread support from fans and NASCAR. He never backed down and said that love should always overcome hate.
Fast forward to 2025, Trump is back in the Oval Office and has returned to the Daytona 500. His presence has reignited old tensions, but this time, the crowd seems to be overwhelmingly on his side. Many NASCAR fans, once divided on the issue, have embraced Trump’s involvement in the sport. As soon as Trump entered the arena, a huge cheer from the crowd thrilled the atmosphere.
President @realDonaldTrump takes a lap around Daytona International Speedway. #NASCAR #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/8gHD10qzGw
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 16, 2025
The U.S. president arrived in his presidential limousine, “The Beast,” and once again paced the field before the green flag. Soon the video of Trump’s lap around Daytona went viral on social media, attracting a lot of cheers. One fan summed up the excitement perfectly, posting, “POTUS is the GOATUS!” This overwhelming support for Trump at Daytona stands in stark contrast to his experience with NASCAR fans. Just a few years ago, the two were on opposite ends of a heated controversy.
Fans rally behind Donald Trump
Social media exploded with tons of reactions and messages following Trump’s lap around the track. Many praised his involvement in the event, calling him the “coolest president ever.” Others admitted that they don’t usually watch NASCAR but tuned in just because of Trump’s presence. Notably, in 2020, when Trump had joined the event, NASCAR’s rating was up by 25%.
One fan tweeted, “The president is actually involved with the people! I love it!” Another added, “I’m tuning in bc of this lol. I don’t watch racing, but I do admire this guy.” The excitement was felt inside the speedway as well. “Can you imagine how wild the crowd sounds with Trump on the raceway? Incredible.”
Trump’s return to the track wasn’t just a political moment—it was an entertainment spectacle, something that has become part of Trump’s brand. The reaction highlights the divide in NASCAR fandom. While Wallace represents a progressive shift in the sport, Trump embodies the traditional NASCAR base.
This is a developing story.
The post Defiant Bubba Wallace Betrayed as Fans Rally Behind Donald Trump’s Daytona 500 Appearance: “POTUS Is the GOATUS” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
