Daytona 500 fans stuck in massive security lines ahead of President Donald Trump’s arrival

For NASCAR fans who weren’t able to get to the track early, long security lines are waiting for the Daytona 500 with President Donald Trump in town. Air Force One landed recently and it won’t be long before the Commander in Chief is sitting down for the Great American Race.

The Daytona 500 is sold out. There are thousands upon thousands of fans in attendance. Most are likely in the stands already or in the infield. Still, it looks like there are hundreds of fans waiting to get in half an hour before the green flag.

Jeff Gluck of The Athletic captured these photos around the time President Donald Trump was landing in Daytona. That’s going to take a while.

Many fans are stuck in long security lines outside with one hour until green flag. These are two different gates. #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/X8WrSPRkh6

— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) February 16, 2025

Folks were warned that the President was coming to the race. But realistically, not everyone who attends can get to the race early. Even if they did, there would still be long lines. Security has been raised and that means extra attention will be paid to every person who enters the speedway.

We are minutes away from the start. I’m sure there will be those who are not able to make it to their seat in time for the green flag. We are going to see one epic race. Already there has been increased viewership for qualifying and the Duel races. Hopefully, that continues.

With Donald Trump in attendance, Dale Earnhardt Jr. having JR Motorsports in the race for the first time, and it is NASCAR’s day to shine. It is the Daytona 500, the biggest race of the year.

President Donald Trump arrives at Daytona

Once President Trump arrived in his motorcade, he made some laps around the track. Fans are packing the stands, the infield, and drivers are at their cars and almost ready to hop in and fire those engines.

It is a windy day in Daytona. There is a chance of rain this afternoon. NASCAR is hopeful that moving the race up an hour will allow the entire race to be completed today. Even if there is a delay later today, there should be enough time to finish the full race in a reasonable time.

With the delays in security lines, fans are likely going to grumble. But it looks like a fantastic crowd and these drivers are ready to put on a dang show.

Anthony Mackie, Captain America, is also in attendance. He is set to give the command. So, buckle up folks, it’s going to be a wild ride and the start of a 37-weeks of racing.