Daytona 500: Jeff Gordon's Comments Amid Donald Trump's Appearance Divide NASCAR Fans

While the presidential limousine did a lap around the Daytona International Speedway at the start [...]

By Daniel S. Levine - February 16, 2020 06:23 pm EST

While the presidential limousine did a lap around the Daytona International Speedway at the start of Sunday's Daytona 500 with President Donald Trump inside, Fox Sports commentator Jeff Gordon could not hide his excitement. The three-time Daytona 500 winner said he wished he could have been on the racetack himself to follow the limo, also known as "The Beast." Trump attended the race as the grand marshal, along with First Lady Melania Trump.

"You know Mike, people ask me, 'Do you miss it? Are you jealous of those competitors out there?'" Gordon said to fellow commentator Mike Joy. "Today, right now, I am. I would love to be in this Daytona 500 field, out there, competing today. This is just so special."

As Gordon made his comments, Trump's car slowly dove down the track, leading the field on a lap.

Godon, 48, won the Daytona 500 in 1997, 1999 and 2005. The California native retired from racing full-time in 2015 and quickly joined the Fox Spots broadcasting team that same year.

Trump became the second president to serve as grand marshal, following President George W. Bush in 2004. NASCAR has been a big supporter for Trump, with then-NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France, and NASCAR drivers Bill Elliott, Chase Elliott, Ryan Newman and David Ragan endorsing him at a 2016 rally in Georgia. France's uncle, the current NASCAR CEO Jim France, met Trump and Melania Trump at the airport before the race.

Scroll on for a look at the divided reaction Gordon's comments received on Twitter.

Photo credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images

The Video

⁦@ClintBowyer⁩ and ⁦@JeffGordonWeb⁩ react to ⁦@realDonaldTrump⁩ setting the pace at the #DAYTONA500 on #DaytonaDay ⁦@NASCARONFOX⁩ pic.twitter.com/4Xi6xQddfD
— Mary Rooke (@marmee_r) February 16, 2020

Jeff Gordon ⁦@JeffGordonWeb⁩ says, “I would love to be in that race” as President Trump’s ⁦@POTUS⁩ ⁦@realDonaldTrump⁩ beast is the pace car. #MAGA #KAG pic.twitter.com/1nqb3x2zWf
— Tom Pavich (@TomPavich) February 16, 2020

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'Goosebumps'

Goosebumps for this HUGE fan of @NASCAR -- @ClintBoywer is giddy about President Trump in The Beast leading the field out onto the track for pace laps. @JeffGordonWeb: "I would love to be in this #Daytona500 field out there competing today. This is just so special" pic.twitter.com/nipGbXishA
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) February 16, 2020

Wow, wow, wow!
Watching the #DAYTONA500 and I'm listening to the announcers talk about and introduce @realDonaldTrump and you can't tell whether like him or dislike him. Amazing, tv commentators not giving their opinion, a novel idea!@FOXSports @The_ChrisMyers @JeffGordonWeb
— 🇺🇸 Andrew J Barbeau 🇼 (@ajb041969) February 16, 2020

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'Ruined' The Season

One fan was really not happy with Gordon suggesting this was a great way to start the season.

@JeffGordonWeb You said having Trump there is a great start to the season. With all do respect, Jeff, it couldn’t have RUINED IT MORE for me and many more like me. If NASCAR does this again, I’ll probably stop watching.👎👎👎
— 🤘Mark d. Ziglar🤘 (@MarkZiglar) February 16, 2020

I have a feeling that @JeffGordonWeb is a fan of @realDonaldTrump
— Liberty Warrior (@jeffhanson9) February 16, 2020

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'Thought You Were More Woke'

Geez @JeffGordonWeb I thought you were more woke than to gush over Trump
— Sue H StyleOnPurpose (@stylepurpose50) February 16, 2020

@JeffGordonWeb DON'T SPOIL THE RACE TALKING ABOUT TRUMP. YOU WILL LOSE VIEWERS.
— Richard Fitzpatrick (@Richard55230790) February 16, 2020

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'Tuning Out'

Well, trump used the #DAYTONA500 for a political prop & he doesn't even have the courtesy or interest to stay & watch the race. Meanwhile, tons of folks tuning out in disgust. 😡 @DISupdates @NASCAR @NASCARONFOX @JeffGordonWeb @DaleJr
— Debra Notachance (@DebraTweets) February 16, 2020

And 3-time Dayton Champ Jeff Gordon said he's been there many times but this was the most exciting due to Pres Trump's being there.
— Michelle Rick (@mrick08) February 16, 2020

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'Jeff Gordon Went Wild'

And 3-time Dayton Champ Jeff Gordon said he's been there many times but this was the most exciting due to Pres Trump's being there.
— Michelle Rick (@mrick08) February 16, 2020

'the only thing I wish they would have modified on that limo is put a spoiler on that rear deck lid'

-Jeff Gordon
— RickMartinez (@RickOnTheRlGHT) February 16, 2020

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'Eating Up All the Trump Stuff'

I’m loving Jeff Gordon announcing.. He’s eating up all the trump stuff ! A man of the people -!-! #MAGA 💫🇺🇸🍿⚡️
— Jacoby Kennedy (@jacoby_kennedy) February 16, 2020

Mike Joy and Jeff Gordon (retired winner), sportscasters, were very respectful of POTUS. Gordon said he wished he could be on the track w/POTUS, it was “historic.” Joy said who wouldn’t be proud to be there with their president.🥰🇺🇸
— Janice (@jskielb3) February 16, 2020

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