The 2026 Daytona 500 is now just weeks away, but if you cast your mind back to last year's event, you'll remember a very special NASCAR guest.
That's right! After whispers and rumors that he was going to attend the Great American Race, President Donald Trump turned up on raceday in Florida last year,
much to the excitement of the crowd and the drivers.
However, it now turns out that his trip to the event cost a substantial amount of money.
According to documents obtained by Front Office Sports, the Secret Service's expenses for the trip amounted to a staggering $561,842.63. As per their report, the vast majority of this was spent on hotels($335K), whilst over $200K was also paid to an event company.
The lowest bill on the expenses for the trip was $280 paid to Bubbles Car Wash.
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President Trump at the Daytona 500
Whilst it was a costly trip, it was a big day for Trump, who also drove on the track in his motorcade and spoke to the drivers over the radio.
"This is your favorite President," Trump's message began.
"I'm a big fan. I am a really big fan of you people. How you do this, I don't know.
"I just want you to be safe, you're talented people, and you're great people and great Americans.
"Have a great day, have a lot of fun, and I'll see you later."
Trump: Daytona 500 fantastic for USA
Speaking to FOX ahead of the race, Trump also declared that the Daytona 500 was 'fantastic for the country'. When he took to social media afterwards, he also had very positive things to say.
“From the roar of the engines on the track to the echo of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ soaring through the stands, the Daytona 500 is a timeless tribute to the speed, strength and unyielding spirit that make America great,” Trump said in a statement.
“That spirit is what will fuel America’s Golden Age, and if we harness it, the future is truly ours.”
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