Trump fans wait in long lines to see president, Daytona 500

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. >> Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was wearing his firesuit and had just finished signing autographs for fans stuck in long lines to enter Daytona International Speedway when he was stopped by Secret Service. Not even the Daytona 500 pole-sitter was immune from the security checkpoint, so Stenhouse extended his arms, clutched his phone and stood still as a wand was waved around him.

His No. 1 starting spot secured, Stenhouse had to wait because of heightened security measures sparked by the arrival of No. 45: President Donald Trump became just the second sitting president to attend the Daytona 500 on Sunday.

Trump served as grand marshal for the race and gave the command for drivers to start their engines. The United States Air Force Thunderbirds performed a second flyover after Trump addressed the crowd.

He also took a parade lap around the 2 ½-mile speedway in his armored limousine, leading the 40car field before the green flag. The presidential motorcade remained on the apron in the corners instead of taking to the highbanked turns.

Thousands cheered and a band played patriotic music when Air Force One flew over the famed track, a flyover that was simultaneously shown on big screens. Trump’s presence energized fans and caused huge headaches because of logistical issues at entrance points. The superspeedway-sized lines spurred Stenhouse to perk up fans who helped sell out the Daytona 500 for the fifth straight year.

“I didn’t have anything to do because my appearances got moved around and I saw that line and I felt so bad for everybody out there having to wait,” Stenhouse told The Associated Press. “Everybody seemed patient and didn’t mind having to wait too much. The atmosphere was pretty good.”

Stenhouse led the first 20 laps of the 200-lap race and will be up front again in his No. 47 Chevrolet when the rain-postponed event resumes Monday afternoon.

Trump, with first lady Melania Trump by his side, addressed the crowd before the race and called the Daytona 500 “a legendary display of roaring engines, soaring spirits and the American skill, speed and power that we’ve been hearing about for so many years.”

“For 500 heart-pounding miles, these fierce competitors will chase the checkered flag, fight for the Harley J. Earl trophy and make their play for pure American glory,” Trump said. “That’s what it is, pure American glory.”

He ended his remarks to chants of “U-S-A, U-SA,” and with his 2016 campaign tune, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” blaring over loudspeakers.

Hailie Deegan, billed as “NASCAR’s Next Big Superstar,” took to Twitter in hopes of getting her helmet signed by Trump. Donald Trump Jr. tweeted at her, “DM me... I may know someone.”