Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron made history at the 2025 Daytona 500, becoming just the fifth driver to win NASCAR’s crown jewel race in consecutive years. However, the milestone carried extra significance with President Donald Trump in attendance—the first time a president had attended the event twice.
Trump, who delivered a pre-race speech and rode a pace lap in the presidential limousine “The Beast,” left an impression on Byron and the grid. Despite a weather delay cutting Trump’s visit short, his presence electrified the pre-race atmosphere. For Byron, the victory—and the presidential spotlight—cemented a “very special” start to his season.
Byron on Trump’s Daytona 500 Impact: “Brought a Lot of Energy”
Trump’s Daytona appearance marked his second time attending the race after attending the event back in 2020. He greeted drivers on the pit lane, addressed the crowd, and circled the track in his armored vehicle before rain postponed the event. Though he couldn’t stay for the finish, his involvement resonated.
“It was pretty neat,” Byron told Fox News Digital. “I think anytime you can have a sitting president come and see your sporting event, it is very special. And for him to take the time to do that was really cool.”
The 27-year-old praised Trump’s ability to elevate the moment, “Just to be able to see the motorcade go across the track and just the various things that he did when he was there was pretty cool. Brought a lot of energy and excitement to the race before it started.”
The president’s visit underscored NASCAR’s cultural footprint. But Byron’s focus never wavered. Amid the fanfare, he etched his name alongside legends like Richard Petty and Denny Hamlin as a multi-time Daytona 500 champion.
Byron’s Back-to-Back Daytona 500 Victory: Luck or Skill?
Byron’s win was anything but straightforward. He lurked in ninth place on the final lap as leaders Austin Cindric and Denny Hamlin dueled for the lead. Byron threaded through the chaos to claim the checkered flag when their cars collided near the finish line.
NASCAR opted not to throw a caution, sealing his victory—a decision that drew scrutiny. Byron, however, stood firm. The triumph marked his 14th Cup Series win and second Daytona 500 in a row. Only Petty, Cale Yarborough, Sterling Marlin, and Hamlin had achieved the feat before him.
Days later, the reality sank in. “I feel like it took a few days to really set in, but ever since, I guess, last Friday or so, I’ve been able to have a bit more time to think about it,” Byron admitted. “It’s definitely been special, and I want to try to win more races this year. But it was definitely a great start and something that means a lot to our team.” His team now eyes the Cup Series title, leveraging Daytona’s momentum.
Byron’s focus is clear now: convert early success into consistency. As for Trump’s cameo, it reminds us that even presidents can’t steal the spotlight from a driver rewriting history.
