Czech President Petr Pavel took a rare turn behind the wheel of a NASCAR stock car on Friday, marking what local media are calling the first time a sitting head of state has driven an official vehicle in the series’ history.
The event took place at Autodrom Most in northwest Bohemia, where Pavel joined local champion Martin Doubek in a two-seater EuroNASCAR vehicle. Despite rainy conditions, Pavel completed several laps behind the wheel, earning praise from the professional driver.
The next day, Pavel and his wife Eva took part in Prague Harley Days, an annual festival celebrating Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Leading hundreds of riders through the streets of the capital, Pavel rode a borrowed Harley, recalling decades of personal experience with motorcycles.
Pavel makes NASCAR history at Most
On Friday, Petr Pavel joined the NASCAR GP Czech Republic at Autodrom Most, where he became the first sitting president to drive a NASCAR car. The event began with Pavel riding alongside Martin Doubek, the reigning EuroNASCAR OPEN champion, who guided him through laps at high speed.
Soon after, Pavel took the wheel himself, navigating the circuit in wet conditions while Doubek provided coaching from the passenger seat. Doubek, impressed by the president’s composure and skill, noted that Pavel made no mistakes during the laps and could potentially excel in future driving opportunities.
“For me it was a unique experience. I have tried a number of cars but this is really a full-blown beast,” Pavel said. He praised Doubek for his guidance while noting the careful attention required to handle a full-spec EuroNASCAR machine for the first time.
The appearance came ahead of the main NASCAR GP Czech Republic events, with Pavel returning on Sunday as Grand Marshal to help start the races. His participation highlighted the Czech president’s personal enthusiasm for motorsport, a hobby he has maintained alongside his official duties.
While several U.S. presidents have appeared at NASCAR events, Pavel is believed to be the first to actually drive a race car. Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump have all taken part in ceremonial or honorary laps—Clinton and Trump sat in pace cars or limousines, while Reagan and Bush attended as spectators—but none has steered a full-spec NASCAR vehicle on the track.
Czech President rides a Harley through Prague
On Saturday, Pavel and his wife Eva took part in the Prague Harley Days festival, which brought hundreds of Harley-Davidson motorcycles through the streets of the capital. Pavel rode at the front of the parade on a borrowed Harley, wearing the red-and-black flannel shirt associated with his 2023 presidential campaign.
Pavel recounted his first motorbike ride on a Stadion moped at age ten and his teenage purchase of a Jawa 350. He said he currently rides 10,000 to 12,000 kilometers annually and owns several motorcycles, including a recently restored 1982 Yamaha GP 750. He also announced plans to donate his BMW GS to a foundation auction.
The festival, now in its thirteenth year, included a motorcycle show, rebuild competition, American car exhibition, and freestyle motocross demonstrations. Pavel’s presence underscored his long-standing interest in motorcycling, which has occasionally drawn attention for safety reasons, including a minor injury in 2024 and a past public controversy over riding without a helmet.