Daytona 500 announces 'enhanced security measures,' expects President Donald Trump to attend

After spending last weekend at Super Bowl LIX, President Donald Trump is expected to attend the Daytona 500 on Sunday, signaling the start of the 2025 season for the NASCAR Cup Series.

However, the weather seems to not be cooperating. Rain is in the forecast for Sunday, but NASCAR believes there’s a window to get the season-opening race in. On Friday, they announced the start of The Great American Race will be moved up an hour to 2:30 p.m. ET.

Additionally, there will be “enhanced security measures” in place, according to Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, which alludes to some confirmation that President Trump will be at the track. Nothing has been officially announced from the President’s side at the moment, though.

“NASCAR announces the start time of the Daytona 500 has been moved to 1:30 pm ET. Also says ‘enhanced security measures’ will be in place,” Gluck posted on X. “Expecting President Trump to attend, though that has not been officially confirmed.”

This would not be the first time Trump would be attending The Great American Race as President. He previously served as the Grand Marshall for the event in 2020, during his first term as the leader of the United States of America. Ironically, that race was affected by rain and moved to Monday. NASCAR is hoping that won’t be the case this time around.

Nevertheless, it’s tough to dampen excitement for the Daytona 500, despite the threat of weather. The forecast for Sunday in Daytona at the moment is, The Weather Channel says, “Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will give way to occasional showers in the afternoon. High 83F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Higher wind gusts possible.”

Additionally, the forecast at night calls for the following: “Evening clouds will give way to clearing. Low 51F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.” There is currently a 24% of rain. 

Meanwhile, NASCAR’s biggest race of the season has been challenged by Mother Nature as recently as last year. The Daytona 500 was pushed back a day in 2024 after rain washed out any chance of the race happening Sunday. William Byron was the eventual winner of the event on Monday evening, but the ratings took a hit with the move away from the usual time-slot.

It’s never ideal having to move from Daytona 500 from Sunday to Monday, and NASCAR has the best intentions of running the race this weekend at the moment. With President Trump expected, here’s to hoping the Cup Series’ season begins on time.

— On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this article.