Freedom 250 Grand Prix Announced

INDYCAR To Host First Motor Race in Nation’s Capital for America’s 250th Birthday

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, Jan. 30, 2026) – An executive order signed today by President Donald J. Trump designated a race route through Washington, D.C., and the National Mall for an NTT INDYCAR SERIES race scheduled for August 21-23, 2026. The event, named the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., will commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence and honor the country’s motorsports industry.

Presidential Directive

“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.,” President Trump stated in 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.”

Event Administration and Collaboration

INDYCAR will administer the event in coordination with the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor.

Celebrating American Motorsports Legacy

President Trump further noted that “For over one hundred years, American INDYCAR racing has set the pace for motorsports,” adding that cars reach speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour and “inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport.” INDYCAR currently hosts the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race annually before Memorial Day.

Support from Key Figures

Roger Penske said, “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.”

United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy commented, “Freedom doesn’t ring, it revs! INDYCAR is about competition and pushing limits — the same things that have always defined America.”

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated, “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 America spirit in the heart of our nation’s capital.”

Mayor Muriel Bowser added, “Soon-to-be the home of every major sports franchise, Washington, D.C. is the undisputed Sports Capital,” and expressed enthusiasm for the race’s economic impact on the city.

Eric Shanks, CEO & Executive Producer, FOX Sports, said, “There’s no better place to celebrate America’s independence than in our nation’s capital, and no better way to showcase that spirit than through INDYCAR.”

The street circuit event will be free to the public and broadcast live on FOX Sports. Further details regarding the course layout and additional event information are forthcoming.