Donald Trump has never shied away from the spotlight, especially when it comes to making appearances at major sporting events. But in a recent interview, he found himself in an unexpectedly awkward moment when asked to name five drivers starting the upcoming Daytona 500. What should have been an easy question for a NASCAR fan turned into an uncomfortable silence that quickly went viral.
Trump, who famously served as the grand marshal for the 2020 Daytona 500 and even took a parade lap in his presidential limousine, is no stranger to the sport. However, when the interviewer asked him to name five drivers in this year’s race, he hesitated, fumbled for names, and ultimately failed to come up with a full list. While he has often expressed admiration for NASCAR and its fan base, this moment suggested he may not be keeping up with the current lineup as closely as some expected.
The clip quickly made its way across social media, where NASCAR fans had a field day. Memes flooded Twitter and Instagram, with many joking that even casual NASCAR viewers could rattle off names like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, or Chase Elliott without breaking a sweat. Others defended Trump, arguing that not everyone—especially a politician—needs to have an encyclopedic knowledge of the field.
Still, the moment sparked debate about whether Trump’s connection to NASCAR is genuine or just another way to appeal to his base. Some pointed out that while he has attended major races, his engagement with the sport appears surface-level at best. Meanwhile, his supporters dismissed the criticism, calling it an overreaction to a simple slip-up.
Regardless of where you stand, one thing is certain: this wasn’t Trump’s best moment in the NASCAR world. And with the Daytona 500 just around the corner, fans are likely to keep this clip in circulation for a while.
