Politicians and motorsports have a long, colorful history, where the roar of engines meets the roar of crowds in ways that blend policy with passion. In 2004, President George W. Bush turned heads at the Daytona 500, stepping into the spotlight as grand marshal and delivering the timeless “Gentlemen, start your engines!” to a sea of 180,000 fans. It was a savvy re-election play, tapping into NASCAR’s massive Southern and swing-state pull, where the sport’s blue-collar vibe and high-stakes drama made it a perfect stage for connecting with everyday Americans.

Fast-forward to 2020, President Donald Trump followed suit, serving as grand marshal for that year’s Daytona 500. He led a ceremonial lap in the presidential motorcade, gave the start-your-engines command, and praised the fans and th

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