Live Feed: The Dreams That Never Materialized – Donald Trump’s NASCAR Aspirations
In the world of motorsports, some dreams simply never make it to the finish line. NASCAR has seen its share of unfulfilled promises, one of which was a proposed racetrack near Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri during the 2010s. The plan was shelved by Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops and owner of Big Cedar Lodge, following objections from local residents. While this project was thwarted, it wasn’t the only grand vision to fade away. Over two decades ago, a bold NASCAR-related promise came from none other than Donald Trump.
Donald Trump’s Forgotten NASCAR Dream
Fresh off his victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election as the Republican candidate, Trump had planned to attend the Coca-Cola 600 as part of his campaign trail, but that idea never materialized. This wasn’t the first time NASCAR fans were left waiting. Trump’s connection to the sport dates back to an ambitious yet unfulfilled proposal to build a NASCAR super-speedway.
In 1996, Donald Trump envisioned a grand project—Trump Motor Speedway—in Bridgeport, Connecticut. By 1999, he had even offered $55 million to purchase the Northrup Grumman test site in Riverhead, Long Island. However, local residents fiercely opposed the idea, citing concerns over noise and disruption. Despite these setbacks, Trump remained determined and partnered with then-NASCAR president William France Jr. to create a massive speedway. The proposed track would have cost $400 million, spanned 1,000 acres, and seated 300,000 fans. According to a Trump executive, “It’ll be the tallest building in the world sideways.”
Despite Trump’s determination, the dream hit a wall. Proposed sites in the Catskills, northern New Jersey, and Connecticut failed to gain traction. No architectural renderings were ever created. Though Trump filed a trademark for Trump Super Speedway in 2004, the application was abandoned in 2008 amid the economic downturn and declining NASCAR attendance.
Trump and NASCAR in 2024
Fast forward to 2024, Trump’s rumored attendance at the Coca-Cola 600 stirred up both excitement and controversy. The former president had already made history in 2020 as the first sitting president to attend the Daytona 500, famously giving the command, “Drivers, start your engines.” This year, he aimed to become the first president to attend a race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
However, the plan created logistical challenges for Kyle Larson, who was attempting the legendary 1100-mile Double: competing in both the Indianapolis 500 in Indiana and the Coca-Cola 600 in North Carolina. Trump’s potential visit posed a risk of airspace restrictions over Charlotte, which could have jeopardized Larson’s tight schedule. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airspace restrictions are mandatory when the president is in the vicinity, as outlined in NOTAM regulations. This sparked frustration among Larson’s fans, who feared Trump’s visit might derail the driver’s historic quest.
A Washout for Larson, A Miss for Trump
Ultimately, Trump did not attend the Coke 600, but Kyle Larson’s Double attempt still ended in disappointment—both races were delayed by rain. While Trump’s promises to NASCAR remain unfulfilled, his second term as POTUS could offer another chance for the former real-estate mogul to leave his mark on the sport.
Stay tuned for more updates as the NASCAR world continues to race forward!
