Trump Orders IndyCar Race on Streets of DC for 250th Celebration

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will be held on the National Mall in August 2026.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:31am

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President Donald Trump signed an executive order to hold an IndyCar street race in Washington, D.C. this summer as part of his 'America 250' push to commemorate the nation's 250th birthday. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will take place August 21-23 along a route designed by the U.S. Department of the Interior and Transportation Department.

Why it matters

The race is intended to be a major part of the celebrations for the United States' 250th anniversary, showcasing American motorsports and drawing visitors to the nation's capital. However, the plan faces potential hurdles, including the need for congressional approval due to restrictions on advertising near the Capitol.

The details

The race route will be designed to run along the National Mall, passing iconic landmarks like the U.S. Capitol and White House. The event will be free and open to the public, with live broadcast coverage on FOX. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy touted the excitement of 'cars going 190 miles an hour down Pennsylvania Avenue'.

  • The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will be held August 21-23, 2026.
  • President Trump signed the executive order on January 30, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who signed the executive order to hold the IndyCar race in Washington, D.C. as part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations.

Roger Penske

An auto racing legend and chairman and CEO of Penske Corp., who joined Trump in the Oval Office for the executive order signing.

Muriel Bowser

The Democratic mayor of Washington, D.C., who expressed enthusiasm for hosting the Freedom 250 Grand Prix event.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader, who Trump claimed was opposed to the race due to restrictions on advertising near the Capitol.

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Transportation Secretary, who touted the excitement of the high-speed IndyCar race on the streets of D.C.

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What they’re saying

“We're celebrating greatness with American motor racing. And I said, pick our best site. It's very important. Pick the best site. Don't go for second or third because there are a lot of different routes. I said pick, even if it's more difficult to get approved, pick the absolute best site.”

— Donald Trump (The White House)

“To think, 190 miles an hour down Pennsylvania Avenue, this is going to be wild.”

— Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary (ABC News)

“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. So, thank you, Mr. President, for allowing us to come into your city.”

— Roger Penske, Chairman and CEO, Penske Corp. (The White House)

“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 DC 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, DC has to offer.”

— Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, D.C. (WJLA)

What’s next

The U.S. Department of the Interior and Transportation Department will be officially charged with designing the race route along the National Mall. Congress may need to approve the event due to restrictions on advertising near the Capitol.

The takeaway

President Trump's plan to host an IndyCar race in the heart of Washington, D.C. as part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations is an ambitious and high-profile event that could draw significant attention and economic activity to the nation's capital. However, the proposal faces potential political hurdles that will need to be navigated in the months ahead.