(CNN) President Donald Trump on Sunday welcomed NASCAR fans to the start of this year's Daytona 500 with a lap around the Florida race track in his presidential limousine.

"There is no greater thrill than to join you at the world center of racing for the 62nd Daytona 500 -- so exciting," Trump said in opening remarks to the crowd.

"To all of the drivers, technicians and pit crews here today, good luck and may the best team win. God bless you, God bless our military, God bless our veterans and God bless America. Have a great race."

Trump also thanked Gold Star families, who were in attendance at the race, "whose loved ones made the supreme sacrifice to honor our freedom and our flag."

"Your fallen warriors will live in our hearts forever," he said, before thanking new military enlistees who "took a solemn oath to put their lives on the line for our country."

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