At first, it seemed like a joke or wishful thinking, but the concept of a 2026 IndyCar street race in Washington D.C. is now very real.
United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy posted an AI-generated video last week, depicting IndyCar racing around the National Mall. U.S. President Donald Trump shared the video and expressed support for the idea, wanting it as part of celebrations for the country's 250th birthday.
On Friday, President Trump signed an executive order confirming plans for a race, calling it the 'Freedom 250.' He is instructing the city's mayor, Muriel Bowser, to work with his administration on putting the race together. The Interior and Transportation departments will be tasked with designing the track layout alongside IndyCar, and finding the funding for the race.
The plan is to hold the race on the weekend of August 21-23, between previously scheduled races in Markham, Ontario and the Milwaukee Mile in Wisconsin. It will be a logistical challenge and a tight deadline to organize such an event in the heart of the nation, and there's the obvious issue of advertisements being banned on Capitol grounds.
“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. “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.
He continued: “For over one hundred years, American IndyCar racing has set the pace for motorsports. With speeds topping over 200 miles per hour, the cars and drivers inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport.”
Added Mayor Bowser in an official statement: “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.”
Penske joins Trump for EO signing
Trump awarded Roger Penske the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019, and he joined Trump in the Oval Office for the signing of this executive order. Trump believes the race could "set a record" in regards to attendance figures, as it will be open to the public. Eric Shanks, the CEO of FOX Sports, was also there alongside Penske and Trump.
"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 with our IndyCars," said Penske in the Oval Office. We own the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and we're taking that history of over 100 years and the speed and what's taken place there with the different manufacturers, and bringing it here for this race. It will be amazing. Certainly the Freedom 250, when you think about it, it's just a byproduct of what the president has done this year, and this event will obviously be in August, which will make a huge difference. We're excited for people to see it. Most of the grounds will be free. It's going to be an economic benefit to the area, to the city."
Shanks credited Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy for saving this race, as it was on 'life support' before a flurry of meetings over the past week. He also thanked Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum for his assistance in making this happen.
Duffy reiterated that the event will be open to the public, saying "we want to repeat that this is free for the American people, to come to your nation's Capitol and see a great road race. Freedom, America, speed, and road racing, it doesn't get more American than than that."
