The Daytona 500 is Trump Country. President is playing to his audience at NASCAR race.
By Alex Andrejev
February 16, 2020 02:11 PM
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nascar-auto-racing/article240348201.html#storylink=cpy
DAYTONA BEACH, FLA.
Walk around the lawns at Daytona International Speedway in the days leading up to the Daytona 500, and you might as well be at a Donald Trump rally. Rows of trailers boast “Keep America Great” flags, their drivers don “MAGA” hats and one fan, Debi Ringhaver, even brought a life-size mannequin of the President to greet fans outside her trailer.
Ringhaver said she’s got a whole barn full of similar Trump mannequins.
“This area, I think we’re kind of common sense people,” Ringhaver said. “There is nothing fancy about the people in Daytona, and they like somebody that’s working for them.”
George W. Bush attended the event in 2004. Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush attended summer races at the speedway, in 1984 and 1992, respectively, while in office. Trump’s attendance is timed with his 2020 presidential campaign; And as Democrats splinter following the Iowa caucuses, Trump will find assured support at the Florida-based NASCAR race.
“Best president ever,” said John Hummel, 58, who has been attending races with a group of friends for the past couple years. Hummel sat at a makeshift bar outside the group’s shared trailer.
Sunday’s NASCAR race feels like such a red state, it’s hard to find a single Democrat in the sea of fans. Every fan in attendance surveyed by the Observer said they are voting for Trump in the next election.
NICE. Real fans. Real love for POTUS.