Donald Trump may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of sports enthusiasts, but the former US President has been making headlines in the sports world for years. From his iconic feud with WWE’s Vince McMahon to hosting the Stanley Cup champions at the White House, Trump has always had a passion for sports.
One of the most memorable moments in Trump’s sports career was his appearance at the 2007 Daytona 500. The race, known as the “Super Bowl of NASCAR,” is a highly anticipated event in the world of motorsports. And when Trump made a cameo appearance, it caused quite a stir.
At the time, Trump was the owner of the Miss USA pageant and was invited to be the grand marshal for the race. He rode in the pace car and even gave the famous command, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” But his involvement in the race didn’t end there.
During the race, Trump’s car, driven by NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., was involved in a crash. This led to speculation that Trump had orchestrated the crash for publicity. However, both Trump and Earnhardt Jr. denied these claims, with the latter stating, “You can’t fake a crash.”
But the controversy surrounding Trump’s appearance at the Daytona 500 didn’t end there. In 2018, NASCAR driver Danica Patrick revealed that Trump had called her after the race to congratulate her on her performance. This came as a surprise to many, as Patrick had been vocal about her disapproval of Trump’s policies.
In an interview with ESPN, Patrick clarified the situation, saying, “I didn’t say anything about his policies. I just said that I didn’t think he was a fit for the White House.” She went on to explain that Trump had called her to thank her for her kind words and to offer his support.
Despite their political differences, Patrick and Trump seemed to have a cordial relationship. In fact, Trump even invited Patrick to be a guest on his reality TV show, “The Celebrity Apprentice.” She declined the offer, but the fact that Trump reached out to her shows that he has a genuine interest in the world of sports.
This is not the first time Trump has shown his support for athletes and sports teams. During his presidency, he hosted several championship-winning teams at the White House, including the New England Patriots, the Clemson Tigers, and the Washington Nationals. He also attended several major sporting events, such as the World Series and the College Football National Championship.
Trump’s involvement in the sports world has not gone unnoticed. Many athletes and sports organizations have praised him for his support and dedication to the industry. In fact, during his presidency, Trump signed the “Save America’s Pastime Act,” which helped protect minor league baseball teams.
Despite the controversies surrounding Trump, it’s clear that he has a genuine passion for sports. His involvement in the Daytona 500 and his support for athletes and teams show that he is more than just a businessman and politician. He is a true sports enthusiast.
In conclusion, Donald Trump may not be the first person you think of when it comes to sports, but his impact on the industry cannot be denied. From his cameo appearance at the Daytona 500 to his support for athletes and teams, Trump has left his mark on the world of sports. And while his political views may be divisive, his love for sports is something that can bring people together. As Danica Patrick said, “You can’t fake passion.” And Trump’s passion for sports is something that cannot be denied.
