Trump takes off on Air Force One after short visit to Daytona 500

(This story has been updated with new information.)

With the Daytona 500 preparing to start in a just a few hours, President Donald Trump is expected to touch down at Daytona Beach International Airport at 12:45 p.m., according to the White House, where he plans to make a brief appearance at the Daytona International Speedway.

It's not clear if first lady Melania Trump is traveling with the president, or if he is bringing any other guests to the track. He should arrive at the Daytona International Speedway at 1:10 p.m. and the Green Flag is scheduled to start the race at 1:30 p.m.

Trump supporters grateful for president's brief visit to Daytona 500

4:19 p.m. | Trump supporter Christine Gallagher's first Daytona 500 came with a special treat, when the president visited the track and took a lap.

"God bless America. Thank God for Donald Trump," she said, hand over her heart. "He's making America Great Again."

Gallagher, of Detroit, Michigan, said she has been "blown away" by the race experience and will come out again. 

"The race itself ... it just makes you proud to be an American. It's just downhome, good USA," she said.  

— Sheldon Gardner

Air Force One takes off for West Palm Beach

3:20 p.m. | Air Force One is in the air as President Trump departs Daytona International Airport for the return trip to Mar-a-Lago.

President Trump's short visit to Daytona 500 comes to an end

3:04 p.m. | The presidential entourage is now leaving Daytona International Speedway, with "The Beast" leading the way.

Even though rain has dampened some spirits, the crowd rises to their feet to cheer President Trump. 

— David Wersinger

The President rides 'The Beast'

President Donald Trump arrived at Daytona International Speedway in "The Beast," his armored limo, to the roar of the crowd. He then took a lap leading the drivers around the track.

— David Wersinger

Daytona 500 crowd thrilled to see President Trump

Trump waved to a roaring crowd at about 1:40 p.m.

— John Gallas

Donald Trump arrives with son, Eric, grandkids

1:25 p.m. | Donald Trump disembarked from Air Force One at around 1:10 p.m. with Eric Trump, his wife, Lara, and their two kids, Luke and Carolina. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott was also at the tarmac as was U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. First lady Melanie Trump was not in attendance.

Trump and his guests quickly got into his motorcade and headed to the Daytona International Speedway.

— Sheldon Gardner

Donald Trump lands in Daytona Beach

1:04 p.m. | Donald Trump and Air Force One landed in Daytona Beach at 12:54 p.m.

— Sheldon Gardner

Air Force One preparing to land at Daytona Beach Airport

12:52 p.m. Air Force One is flying over the Daytona International Speedway, preparing to land at the Daytona Beach International Airport.

— David Wersinger

Rumors swirl ahead of Trump's arrival

12:39 p.m. | The scuttlebutt at the Speedway is President Donald Trump will take a helicopter from the airport and land in the Infinity Garage area behind the 500 Club. News-Journal photographers say that area is "locked down tight" ahead of his arrival.

Back at Daytona International Airport, there's also a rumor that a helicopter in the Brown & Brown hangar is being readied for flight.

— David Wersinger

Marjorie Taylor Green in Daytona Beach

12:31 p.m. | U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was spotted at the Daytona Beach International Airport about an hour prior to Trump's scheduled arrival.

— Sheldon Gardner

Trump should be en route to Daytona Beach

12:10 p.m. | Trump was scheduled to take off from Palm Beach International Airport at 11:55 a.m., and he's scheduled to land at Daytona Beach International Airport at 12:45 p.m.

— Ashley Varese

Longtime Daytona 500 fans excited for the Trump's visit and the Great American Race

11:22 a.m. | John and Karen Bellinger, of upstate New York, were on their way to the track when they stopped for an interview at the Daytona Beach International Airport. 

They’ve been staying at the International RV Park & Campground and have been coming to the race for years.

“Exciting. A lot of speed,” John Bellinger said. 

Karen Bellinger agreed.

“It’s goosebumps when you hear those cars come by at (those) speeds,” she said. 

As for Trump’s visit?

“I’m excited about it. He is our American president. And he’s bringing America back. And it’s the Great American Race,” she said. 

Racing family thinks Trump's visit is 'neat'

10:38 a.m. | Michelle Marlott, her husband, Jon, and their son, Tucker, 2 were waiting for their flight out of Daytona Beach International Airport on Sunday morning. 

The family gathered near a NASCAR car in the airport.

They came earlier this week because Jon Marlott is truck chief for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing and was there to work. The family camped out at the track.

“We love coming to Daytona. We make it a family affair,” Michelle Marlott said. 

They were getting ready to leave shortly before Trump was scheduled to arrive. 

“I think it’s really neat that he will be here,” she said.

— Sheldon Gardner

Preparing for Trump's arrival in Daytona

10:11 a.m. | A fleet of law enforcement officers are gathered at The Daytona Beach International Airport grounds in preparation for President Donald Trump’s arrival. What appears to be Secret Service agents are on site.

— Sheldon Gardner

Rumors swirl ahead of Trump's arrival

12:44 p.m. The scuttlebutt at the Speedway is President Donald Trump will take a helicopter from the airport and land in the Infinity Garage area behind the 500 Club. News-Journal photographers say that area is "locked down tight" ahead of his arrival.

Back at Daytona International Airport, there's also a rumor that a helicopter in the Brown & Brown hangar is being readied for flight.

— David Wersinger