President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to bring IndyCar racing to Washington, D.C., for America’s 250th birthday celebration.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will mark the first motor race ever held in the nation’s capital near the National Mall. The unprecedented race will send drivers speeding past iconic monuments at over 200 miles per hour.
The executive order, issued on January 30, 2026, directs federal agencies to expedite all necessary permits and approvals. The Secretaries of the Interior and Transportation have 14 days to designate a suitable street circuit route.
Trump’s order celebrates IndyCar’s century-long legacy in American sports. It specifically mentions racing legends A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti while highlighting the Indianapolis 500’s status as “the largest single-day sporting event in the world.”
The Interior Secretary may classify the August 21-23 race as a “special event” to streamline approvals. Transportation officials will use available funds to facilitate the race presentation, consistent with applicable law.
Federal aviation authorities will accommodate drone photography for the event. The order ensures aerial coverage can capture the spectacle without compromising nearby government facilities.
Road maintenance falls under joint federal and local jurisdiction. The order specifies coordination with the Mayor of Washington, D.C., to ensure race-ready infrastructure is in place.
The event on the street circuit will be open to the public at no charge, offering views of multiple iconic landmarks representing national pride and unity. As with every race in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, it will air live on network TV. Additional information on the track layout and the overall event will be revealed at an upcoming kickoff in the coming weeks.
“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,” Roger Penske, the founder of Team Penske and the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar, said in a news release.
“This will be a truly memorable event that celebrates our country’s independence and the legacy of patriotism, innovation and excellence that powers motorsports across America.”
