REAGAN, a film detailing the life of Ronald Reagan, from his early days up to his presidency, has chosen an interesting platform to make its mark: NASCAR. This union recalls a historical moment from 1984 when Reagan witnessed Richard Petty’s landmark 200th NASCAR Cup Series win at Daytona.

The No. 54 car will don imagery from the REAGAN movie poster, showcasing Dennis Quaid’s portrayal of Reagan on the hood and sides. This comes as we await the film’s global release on August 30.

Ty Gibbs shared his hopes for the race, mirrored by the prestigious precedent set 40 years ago.

“It’s great to have REAGAN on our car for Daytona,” said Gibbs. “Hopefully, we can put the car in victory lane much like when President Reagan was at Daytona 40 years ago.”

Ty Gibbs, driver of the #54 Monster Energy Toyota, Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Premier Security/Zeigler.com Chevrolet, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 Country Crock/Minute Rice Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup…
Ty Gibbs, driver of the #54 Monster Energy Toyota, Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Premier Security/Zeigler.com Chevrolet, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 Country Crock/Minute Rice Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 18, 2024 in Brooklyn, Michigan. Joe Gibbs Racing has revealed a new livery for Ty Gibbs’ No. 54 Toyota.

Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Dennis Quaid, portraying Reagan in the film, lauded Gibbs’ rising star in NASCAR, expressing his excitement about showcasing the movie during the race.

“Ty Gibbs is the next NASCAR superstar,” Quaid remarked. “The Coke Zero 400 is a global stage and I’m thrilled the fans will get a glimpse of REAGAN during the race. These fans are my kind of people, and I know they’ll be inspired by the remarkable story in this film.”

Adding to the excitement, Ty Gibbs comes into the Daytona race with momentum after a strong finish at Michigan where he claimed third place.

Currently standing just 39 points above the playoff cutoff, the upcoming race holds considerable weight for Gibbs’ season ambitions. The driver reflected on his recent performance.

“I feel like we definitely were in contention for sure,” he commented on his strategy. “I needed to get up sooner off of two to clear the 24 [William Byron]. Just missed it by a little bit. After that, it takes a lap to get momentum.”

NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway Results

  1. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing
  2. William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports
  3. Ty Gibbs – Joe Gibbs Racing
  4. Kyle Busch – Richard Childress Racing
  5. Brad Keselowski – RFK Racing
  6. Chris Buescher – RFK Racing
  7. Zane Smith – Spire Motorsports
  8. Daniel Suárez – Trackhouse Racing
  9. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing
  10. Carson Hocevar – Spire Motorsports
  11. Ryan Preece – Stewart-Haas Racing
  12. Noah Gragson – Stewart-Haas Racing
  13. Ricky Stenhouse Jr – JTG Daugherty Racing
  14. Harrison Burton – Wood Brothers Racing
  15. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports
  16. Erik Jones – Legacy Motor Club
  17. Austin Dillon – Richard Childress Racing
  18. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske
  19. Michael McDowell – Front Row Motorsports
  20. Justin Haley – Rick Ware Racing
  21. Cody Ware – Rick Ware Racing
  22. Josh Berry – Stewart-Haas Racing
  23. Daniel Hemric – Kaulig Racing
  24. Martin Truex Jr – Joe Gibbs Racing
  25. Ross Chastain – Trackhouse Racing
  26. Bubba Wallace – 23XI Racing
  27. Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports
  28. Austin Cindric – Team Penske
  29. John H. Nemechek – Legacy Motor Club
  30. AJ Allmendinger – Kaulig Racing
  31. Chase Briscoe – Stewart-Haas Racing – Suspended
  32. Corey LaJoie – Spire Motorsports – DNF
  33. Joey Logano – Team Penske – DNF
  34. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports – DNF
  35. Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing – DNF
  36. Todd Gilliland – Front Row Motorsports – DNF