Daytona 500

2025 - 2 - 17

Rain Can’t Dampen the Daytona Spirit, Even Trump Gets a Splash!

NASCAR Australian Motorsports - Daytona 500 - Donald Trump - NASCAR - Racing Events - Rain Delays - William Byron

The Daytona 500 just couldn’t catch a break—unless it was from the rain! But don’t worry, with Trump making a splash and NASCAR’s biggest stars, it had enough excitement to last us till the next lap!

The much-anticipated Daytona 500 took an unexpected turn on Sunday when rain halted the race just after 11 laps were completed at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. Defending champion William Byron was leading when the skies opened up, frustrating drivers and fans alike. This year's race was special, not just for the adrenaline-pumping action on the track, but also for the appearance of former President Donald Trump, who made his way around the track in his armored presidential limousine, adding a distinct flair to the event. It appears the Daytona 500 is still which is set to kick off the NASCAR Cup Series in style!

As the rain poured down, NASCAR officials waved the yellow caution flag, bringing the race to a grinding halt as fans anxiously awaited updates. This was not the first time the event has faced weather challenges, but it did set the stage for a unique unifying spirit that the race is known for. President Trump, attending his second Daytona 500, remarked on the energy of the crowd, stating that events like these fuel America's golden age. While some may disagree, even the raindrops took a moment to lift the spirits across the grandstand.

In addition to the excitement surrounding the race and Trump's surprise visit, fans were buzzing with anticipation for the outcome, as betting odds and expert predictions flew through social media. Those in the betting scene kept a close eye on their favorite contenders, hoping to cash in on this year’s record-breaking $30 million purse for the Daytona 500, with the winner set to take home a generous share. As hurdles like rain delays and presidential appearances came and went, it was clear that fans were fully invested in the spectacle.

Once the storm clouds cleared and the race resumed under lights, many were treated to a show of sheer resilience and unparalleled racing skills. Even Australia's own Van Gisbergen made his much-anticipated NASCAR debut at the event, leaving fans in awe despite the rain delays. The 67th running of the Great American Race might have faced hiccups, but it showcased the spirit of NASCAR and its fierce fans, perhaps even sparking a few laughs with unexpected celebrity appearances—because who expects to see a sitting president at a car race?

Interesting Fact: Did you know that the Daytona 500 is often labeled as NASCAR's premier event and is affectionately referred to as 'The Great American Race'? It consistently draws in massive viewership and loving fanfare, placing it as a highlight in the NASCAR calendar!

Fun tidbit for you: Trump isn’t the only high-profile attendee; Daytona has hosted everyone from country music stars to sports legends, transforming it into a melting pot of personalities!

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Image courtesy of "ESPN Australia"

Daytona 500 stopped by rain after 11 laps, Trump appearance - ESPN (ESPN Australia)

Rain has stopped the Daytona 500 on Sunday after 11 laps and an appearance by President Donald Trump, with defending champion William Byron leading the ...

Presidential Message on the 2025 Daytona 500 (Whitehouse.gov)

Today, I look forward to joining tens of thousands of American Patriots in Daytona Beach, Florida, for the “Great American Race”—the legendary Daytona.

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Image courtesy of "NASCAR"

Daytona 500 under delay due to inclement weather (NASCAR)

The 67th running of the Daytona 500 is under delay into inclement weather. 11 of 200 laps have been completed.

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

Trump attends NASCAR's Daytona 500 for the second time as ... (CBS News)

President Trump attended Sunday's Daytona 500, a race that he said is a unifying event with a spirit that will "fuel America's Golden Age.".

Van Gisbergen's 'wild' Daytona 500 debut delayed by rain (Speedcafe)

Inclement weather stopped the Daytona 500 just 11 laps into the first points-paying NASCAR Cup Series race of the year. - Australia's #1 motorsport news ...

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Image courtesy of "Hendrick Motorsports"

DAYTONA 500 rain delay: Caution, red flag waves for weather at ... (Hendrick Motorsports)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - At 2:12 p.m., the yellow flag waved at Daytona International Speedway, bringing the 67th DAYTONA 500 to a screeching halt just nine ...

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Image courtesy of "NASCAR"

The Action Network: Daytona 500 odds, expert picks for 'Great ... (NASCAR)

The 67th running of the Great American Race -- the Daytona 500 -- kicks off the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series regular season.

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Image courtesy of "CBSSports.com"

2025 Daytona 500 props, odds, best bets, expert predictions ... (CBSSports.com)

Phil Bobbitt and Steve Greco revealed their NASCAR picks for sites like PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, Sleeper Fantasy, and DraftKings Pick6.

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

Video: Communication expert has theory on Trump's strategy behind ... (CNN)

President Donald Trump attended the Daytona 500, NASCAR's premiere race in Daytona, Florida, shortly after he made history as the first sitting US president ...

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Image courtesy of "NEWS10 ABC"

Daytona 500 stopped by rain after 11 laps (NEWS10 ABC)

Rain has stopped the Daytona 500 on Sunday after 11 laps, not long after President Donald Trump in his heavily armored presidential limousine known in ...

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Image courtesy of "FOX 13 Tampa Bay"

Daytona 500 live: How to watch on TV, stream NASCAR's biggest race (FOX 13 Tampa Bay)

It is race day for NASCAR fans and racing fans! The Daytona 500 – known as The Great American Race – is Sunday at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona ...

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

President Donald Trump makes Daytona 500 appearance at ... (USA TODAY)

After making an appearance at the Super Bowl, President Trump has shown up to the Daytona 500 as well. Here are pictures and video from the event.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Watch: Trump's motorcade drives lap of Daytona 500 racetrack (BBC News)

The president opened the Nascar season with a flyby and lap in front of the racing cars.

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Image courtesy of "PlanetF1"

NASCAR's record-breaking $30 million Daytona 500 purse: How ... (PlanetF1)

The NASCAR Cup Series will boast a record-breaking $30 million purse for the Daytona 500 – but how much does the winner get?

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Image courtesy of "ESPN"

Daytona 500 resumes under lights after lengthy rain delays - ESPN (ESPN)

The Daytona 500 has resumed under the lights Sunday after two rain delays that totaled more than 3 hours, 30 minutes and 20 laps.

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Image courtesy of "NASCAR"

Logano, Stenhouse trigger big wreck late in Daytona 500 (NASCAR)

After making contact down the backstretch, Joey Logano and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. triggered a big crash late in the Daytona 500.

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Image courtesy of "6ABC Philadelphia"

Daytona 500 stopped by rain after 11 laps with Trump on hand for ... (6ABC Philadelphia)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Rain has stopped the Daytona 500 on Sunday after 11 laps, not long after President Donald Trump in his heavily armored presidential ...

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Image courtesy of "ESPN Australia"

William Byron races to second straight Daytona 500 victory - ESPN (ESPN Australia)

William Byron, of Hendrick Motorsports, raced his way to a second straight Daytona 500 victory on Sunday night, taking the rain-delayed NASCAR Cup opener in ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

William Byron wins second straight Daytona 500 after Trump takes ... (The Guardian)

William Byron has won the Daytona 500 for the second time in as many years after a lengthy rain delay on Sunday at Daytona International Speedway.

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Image courtesy of "PlanetF1"

2025 Daytona 500 race results for the NASCAR Cup Series (PlanetF1)

William Byron may have won the 2025 Daytona 500, but we've got the full-field results for the 40 other drivers all in one place.

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Image courtesy of "Auto Action"

Byron gets back to back Daytona 500 wins after last lap chaos (Auto Action)

Whilst Byron took the white flag deep in the pack, Austin Cindric and Denny Hamlin were nose to tail at the front of the field. They appeared to be fighting for ...

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Image courtesy of "ESPN Australia"

Byron's second straight Daytona 500 win kept NASCAR guessing ... (ESPN Australia)

The only thing that's certain about the Daytona 500 is that nothing's for certain, except, lately, William Byron winning NASCAR's signature race.

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Image courtesy of "NASCAR"

William Byron wins back-to-back Daytona 500s (NASCAR)

For the second consecutive year, William Byron takes home the checkered flag in the 'Great American Race' at Daytona International Speedway.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sports"

Daytona 500: William Byron wins second straight after last-lap crash (Yahoo Sports)

William Byron won his second straight Daytona 500 after a last-lap wreck took out race leader Denny Hamlin on the backstretch. Byron took over the lead when ...

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Image courtesy of "NRL.COM"

NRL X Daytona 500 (NRL.COM)

Aaron Woods and the NRL take on the Daytona 500 in the build up to the NRL in Las Vegas.

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Image courtesy of "FOX 9"

NASCAR Daytona 500 winner: William Byron in back-to-back wins (FOX 9)

The NASCAR Daytona 500 champion is a familiar name: William Byron. He won the big race in 2024 -- and now in 2025.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo News"

Donald Trump's Daytona 500 Spectacle Fuels Accusations Of ... (Yahoo News)

As did Trump's earlier flyover of the track aboard Air Force One. Critics slammed the stunts' cost to taxpayers. They also recalled the money that would have ...

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Image courtesy of "PBS NewsHour"

William Byron avoids late wrecks to win 2nd straight Daytona 500 for ... (PBS NewsHour)

Ninth in the No. 24 Chevrolet with one lap left, Byron became the first back-to-back winner since Denny Hamlin in 2019-20.

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Image courtesy of "PlanetF1"

Daytona 500 is 'equally challenging' compared to F1, says Montoya (PlanetF1)

Juan Pablo Montoya — a former driver who has competed in both Formula 1 and the NASCAR Cup Series — spoke out before the race about how the two disciplines ...

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Image courtesy of "Spectrum News"

Livonia native part of crew that helped Byron win 2nd straight ... (Spectrum News)

Ryan "Rudy" Fugle is the crew chief for William Byron's No. 24 car.

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Image courtesy of "Motorsport.com, Edition: Global"

The winners and losers from the Daytona 500 (Motorsport.com, Edition: Global)

William Byron took the trophy, Ryan Preece went airborne, and mayhem reigned. Here's who won and lost NASCAR's first race.

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Image courtesy of "WJHG-TV"

Trump attends the Daytona 500 and says the spirit of NASCAR will ... (WJHG-TV)

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. ( ...

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Image courtesy of "NEWS10 ABC"

William Byron avoids late wrecks to win 2nd straight Daytona 500 (NEWS10 ABC)

Ninth in the No. 24 Chevrolet with one lap left, Byron was in the right place by racing near the outside wall in overtime to became the first back-to-back ...

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