BY Neha Dwivedi, Staff Writer and Jerry Jordan, Editor
WASHINGTON D.C. – Intending to make America’s 250th birthday even more memorable, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 30, 2026, to designate an INDYCAR race route through Washington, D.C., and around the National Mall.
The event, to be held August 21-23 later this year, is the first time since 1801 that an actual sanctioned race has taken place in the nation’s capital. The previous event was a horse race, hosted by Thomas Jefferson.
“INDYCAR racing is a source of pride and entertainment for our Nation, which is why I am pleased to announce the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.,” said President Trump via the executive 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.”
It was reported during the press event held in the Oval Office, that attempts had been made, at least, 80 times previously for a street race in Washington D.C. All of those attempts were unsuccessful. President Trump said he made some calls, met with some senators and now the Freedom 250 Grand Prix is a reality.
“I had a couple meeting with senators, meetings with people at the Capitol and they all wanted it,” Trump said. “Everybody wanted it, but they couldn’t figure it out. It was crazy 80-some odd times. That’s pretty amazing. So go ahead.
“This is going to have a lot of people, I won’t even say how many people, because I think it can set a record for racing. It’s going to be very, very important. We’re celebrating greatness with American motor racing. That’s going to be the name of the event. It’s going to take place on August 21 through the 23rd and it’s going to be so exciting. And I love the racing. I don’t have a lot of time to watch it, but I love the racing.”
INDYCAR will administer this event in coordination with a task force consisting of the United States Department of Transportation, the United States Department of the Interior and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor.
The street circuit race will be free to the general public and incorporate vantage points showcasing several majestic symbols of national pride and unity, according to Trump and INDYCAR officials. Like all INDYCAR races, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix will also be televised live on FOX Sports.
By February 15, 2026, within 14 days of the order date, the Secretary of the Interior Dick Burgum and the Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy must designate a route through Washington, D.C., suitable for conducting the street race.
Duffy’s office will also implement measures to ensure that all permits, approvals and other authorizations necessary to plan, prepare for, and conduct the Freedom 250 Grand Prix are issued and granted as expeditiously as possible. This includes ensuring that any roads, trails or bridges utilized as part of the racecourse are properly maintained and capable of accommodating such use.
Roger Penske, who owns INDYCAR through his company, Penske Entertainment Corp., showed his enthusiasm toward the initiative, stating, “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.”
Penske further expressed his feelings, saying that the race will prove a truly memorable event, celebrating the nation’s independence and the legacy of patriotism, innovation, and excellence that fuel motorsports across the United States of America.
“Thank you, Mr. President, 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 DC area and to have the opportunity to be able to compete here with our Indy cars. As you know, we own the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and we’re 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, certainly the freedom 250 when you think about it, it’s just a byproduct to what the President has done during this year.
Duffy supported the collaboration with INDYCAR, noting that INDYCAR embodies competition and pushing limits, the same qualities 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,” Duffy said.
Burgum pointed out that, like the sport of racing itself, the administration under President Trump operates at record speed to improve life for all Americans and ensure the United States marks its 250th birthday with the celebration it deserves.
“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.”