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

Race to be held August 21-23 on National Mall route, broadcast live on FOX

Jan. 31, 2026 at 10:31am

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President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday 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 and feature a race route along the National Mall, home to iconic monuments, the U.S. Capitol, and the White House.

Why it matters

The race is intended to be a major part of the nationwide 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 grounds.

The details

President Trump signed the executive order in the Oval Office, joined by auto racing legend Roger Penske. The U.S. Department of the Interior and Transportation Department will be responsible for designing the race route. The event will be free and open to the public, with live coverage on FOX. While D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has expressed enthusiasm for the event, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has reportedly opposed the race due to concerns over advertising near the Capitol.

  • The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will be held August 21-23, 2026.
  • President Trump signed the executive order on Friday, 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 chief executive officer of Penske Corp., who joined President 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 and said the race weekend will boost the city's economy.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader, who has reportedly opposed the race due to concerns over advertising near the Capitol grounds.

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Transportation Secretary, who said the race will feature cars traveling at 190 miles per hour down Pennsylvania Avenue.

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What they’re saying

“We're celebrating greatness with American motor racing.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (hometownnewsnow.com)

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

— Sean Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary (hometownnewsnow.com)

“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.”

— Roger Penske, Chairman and CEO of Penske Corp. (hometownnewsnow.com)

“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 judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

President Trump's plan to hold an IndyCar race on the streets of Washington, D.C. as part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations faces potential hurdles, including the need for congressional approval due to restrictions on advertising near the Capitol grounds. However, the race is expected to be a major draw for motorsports fans and provide an economic boost to the nation's capital.