IndyCar News: Trump gets his way, IndyCar Freedom 250 announced for Washington DC
In a historic move, President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order paving the way for the first-ever motor race on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix, an NTT INDYCAR SERIES event, is scheduled for August 21-23, 2026, as part of the celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary of independence. This unprecedented race will highlight the nation’s motorsports heritage while honoring its foundational values.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
“INDYCAR racing is a source of pride and entertainment for our Nation,” President Trump stated in the order. “This race, the first motor race ever to be held in our Nation’s capital near the National Mall, will showcase the majesty of our great city as drivers navigate a track around our iconic national monuments in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.”
The full executive order is available on the White House website: Executive Orders – The White House
Organized by INDYCAR in partnership with the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor, the event promises to blend high-speed action with patriotic fervor.
Related Article: IndyCar News: Trump Pushes for America250 Race on National Mall to Mark America’s 250th Birthday
“For over one hundred years, American INDYCAR racing has set the pace for motorsports,” Trump added. “With speeds topping over 200 miles per hour, the cars and drivers inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport.”
The president said the potential attendance could “set a record for racing.”
INDYCAR’s legacy includes the legendary Indianapolis 500, known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” which draws over 350,000 fans annually and pays tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces. Icons like Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Alex Palou, and Josef Newgarden have defined the sport across generations.
Roger Penske, INDYCAR’s owner, expressed enthusiasm: “President Trump has bestowed an incredible distinction upon our sport, and we’re grateful for his trust and support as INDYCAR prepares to honor our country with a tremendous racing spectacle. This will be a truly memorable event that celebrates our country’s independence and the legacy of patriotism, innovation, and excellence that powers motorsports across America.”
“This is a really amazing time for us, as a company, to support the 250th anniversary for the country. And there’s no better way for us to bring automotive and speed into the D.C. area and to have the opportunity to be able to compete here where there are IndyCars.”
“As you know, we own the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and we are taking that history of over 100 years and the speed and what’s taking place there with the different manufacturers, and bringing it here to this race will be amazing,” he continued. “Certainly the Freedom 250, when you think about it, it’s just a byproduct of what the president has done during this year. And this will be an event obviously in August, which will make a huge difference. And we’re excited. The areas for people to see most of the grounds will be free. So it’s going to be an economic benefit to the area, to the city.”
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy chimed in: “Freedom doesn’t ring, it revs! INDYCAR is about competition and pushing limits — the same things that have always defined America. There’s no better place to celebrate our 250th anniversary than bringing that energy to the nation’s capital and showcasing Washington, D.C. to the world.”
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum added: “The Department of the Interior is proud to help bring the historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix to Washington, D.C. to showcase our treasured public spaces through a monumental event that captures the American spirit in the heart of our nation’s capital. Like the sport of racing itself, this administration, under President Donald J. Trump, is moving at record speed to make life better for all Americans and ensure that the United States marks its 250th birthday with the celebration that it deserves. Start your engines, America!”
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser highlighted the economic boost: “Soon-to-be the home of every major sports franchise, Washington, D.C. is the undisputed Sports Capital. But we don’t stop there and work to attract major events. That’s why I am thrilled to welcome the Freedom 250 to the Nation’s Capital this August. The race weekend will rev up the economic engine of D.C. by filling our hotels and restaurants and by showing visitors, residents, and the sports world that there’s no better city, people, and backdrop for major sports events. I invite all sports fans to come enjoy the Freedom 250 and all that Washington, D.C. has to offer.”
Eric Shanks, CEO and executive producer of FOX Sports, emphasized the event’s appeal: “There’s no better place to celebrate America’s independence than in our nation’s capital, and no better way to showcase that spirit than through INDYCAR – a sport built on speed, innovation, and competition. Bringing this race to Washington, D.C. during America’s 250th birthday is a powerful way to honor our past while celebrating what’s ahead, and all of us at FOX Sports couldn’t be more proud to showcase this event to the country.
“It’s a real honor to be a partner with Roger and IndyCar. And at Fox Sports, we do the biggest events in sports this year. We have the FIFA World Cup that will be celebrating here as well. And then dovetailing right after that to be able to celebrate America’s birthday on FOX, is an absolutely incredible honor,” he said. “And everyone at FOX Sports can’t wait, to see exactly how this is going to unfold and bring it to life. So, Mr. President, thank you again for signing this today.”
The street circuit will be open to the public at no cost, offering views of iconic national landmarks. As with all INDYCAR races, it will air live on FOX Sports. Additional details on the track layout and event schedule will be announced at an upcoming kickoff event.
This announcement marks a thrilling chapter for INDYCAR and American motorsports, blending history, speed, and national pride in the heart of the capital.
There is also a UFC event planned for the South Lawn on June 14, Trump’s 80th birthday.