Trump promotes his ‘great friends from NASCAR’ ahead of Daytona 500

President Trump on Sunday gave a shout-out to his “great friends from NASCAR” ahead of the annual Daytona 500.

“My great friends from NASCAR are having their big race today, The Daytona 500,” Trump tweeted. “Brian France and the France family are special people. Enjoy the race!”

My great friends from NASCAR are having their big race today, The Daytona 500. Brian France and the France family are special people. Enjoy the race!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 18, 2018

France, the CEO of NASCAR, endorsed Trump during the 2016 presidential election, taking the stage alongside the then-candidate at a Georgia rally during the Republican primary. {mosads}

“He wins with his family,” France said of Trump during the rally, according to USA Today. “Any of his children, you’d be proud of have them as part of your family. That’s how I judge a winner, how somebody manages their family and raises their family.”

Trump later took to Twitter to tout France’s endorsement.

Got the endorsement of Brian France and @NASCAR yesterday in Georgia. Also, many of the sports great drivers. Thank you Nascar and Georgia!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 1, 2016

Two NASCAR owners said last year they would not condone racers protesting during the national anthem, comments that came amid Trump’s feud with the NFL over players kneeling, rather than standing, during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Trump ignited controversy last year when he suggested the NFL fire players who choose to kneel during the national anthem.

The Daytona 500, which takes place every year in Daytona, Fla., is NASCAR’s biggest race of the year.