Image via realdonaldtrump/Instagram, indycar/Instagram
People seem to have forgotten that Donald Trump was extended the offer to drive the Indy 500 official pace car but turned it down. His reason for declining the honor actually makes a lot of sense, but there was also pushback from IndyCar fans who weren’t happy about the possibility.
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The invitation wasn’t extended recently but instead happened back in 2012 as some speculated the New York real estate mogul would possibly throw his hat in the ring for the presidential race against Barack Obama.
While Trump was honored to receive such a prestigious invitation, he had to respectfully decline.
“I very much appreciate the honor but time and business constraints make my appearance there, especially with the necessary practice sessions, impossible to fulfill. I look forward to watching the race from New York,” he replied.
As The Mirror US reports, Trump also told officials having him drive the pace car would be “inappropriate” at that time. Exactly what that means seems to be open to interpretation.
Back in 2012 when IndyCar fans learned of the pace car invitation, some started a “Dump Trump” protest. In 2011 during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner then-President Obama openly mocked Trump and rumors he might run for president.
Some interpreted that as Obama demonstrating fear of a Trump presidency. It’s unclear if anyone in Obama’s orbit was behind the “Dump Trump” protest for the Indy 500 or if that factored into Trump’s decision to decline.
However, yet again President Trump declined to watch this year’s Indy 500 in person. That’s hardly surprising considering no sitting president has attended the race. Those running the event have traditionally taken steps to keep it from being politicized in either direction.
Image via realdonaldtrump/Instagram, indycar/Instagram
