Trump Signs Order to Bring IndyCar Race to DC for America250

The event will celebrate the country's 250th anniversary with a high-speed race through the nation's capital.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:07pm

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President Donald Trump signed an executive order to bring an IndyCar race to the streets of Washington, D.C. as part of the America250 celebrations. Trump was joined by IndyCar owner Roger Penske, U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to announce the plans for the "Greatness with American Motor Racing" event scheduled for August 21-23.

Why it matters

The IndyCar race in D.C. is another major sporting event organized by the Trump administration to commemorate the United States' 250th anniversary. It aims to showcase American motorsports and generate tourism revenue for the capital city.

The details

The race route will be planned by the Interior and Transportation departments to highlight the National Mall and iconic D.C. landmarks. While advertising on Capitol grounds is prohibited, the event is expected to draw large crowds and boost the local economy. An AI-generated video promoting the race was posted on Truth Social, featuring fans around the National Mall and drivers speeding through the streets.

  • The "Greatness with American Motor Racing" event will take place from August 21-23, 2026.
  • There is also a UFC event planned for the South Lawn on June 14, 2026, which is President Trump's 80th birthday.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who signed the executive order to bring the IndyCar race to Washington, D.C.

Roger Penske

The owner and chairperson of IndyCar, who joined Trump to announce the plans for the race.

Doug Burgum

The U.S. Interior Secretary who will work with the Transportation Department to coordinate the race route and event planning.

Sean Duffy

The U.S. Secretary of Transportation who will work with the Interior Department on the race logistics and event planning.

Eric Shanks

The CEO of FOX Sports, which will be a media partner for the event and also broadcasting the FIFA World Cup earlier that summer.

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What they’re saying

“We're celebrating 'Greatness with American Motor Racing,' that's going to be the name of the event.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“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.”

— Roger Penske, Owner and Chairperson of IndyCar

“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.”

— Eric Shanks, CEO of FOX Sports

What’s next

The Interior and Transportation departments will work with the Mayor of Washington, D.C. to coordinate the race route and event planning that showcases the National Mall and iconic landmarks.

The takeaway

The IndyCar race in Washington, D.C. is part of the Trump administration's efforts to organize high-profile sporting events to commemorate the United States' 250th anniversary. It aims to celebrate American motorsports, boost tourism, and generate excitement around the country's milestone celebration.