Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. has been announced
President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order directing the White House Task Force with creating a race track through Washington, D.C. The track will run near National Mall.
The newly added NTT INDYCAR SERIES event will run on Aug. 21-23, 2026. The event at the capital comes on America’s 250th Birthday.
The street circuit event will be free to the general public.
President Donald Trump comments
“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.” said President Trump via 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.”
“For over one hundred years, American INDYCAR racing has set the pace for motorsports,” President Trump added.
“With speeds topping over 200 miles per hour, the cars and drivers inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport.”
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy comments
“Freedom doesn’t ring, it revs! INDYCAR is about competition and pushing limits — the same things that have always defined America,” said United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy.
“There’s no better place to celebrate our 250th anniversary than bringing that energy to the nation’s capital and showcasing Washington, D.C. to the world.”
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum comments
“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,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.
“Like the sport of racing itself, this administration, under President Donald J. Trump, is moving at record speed to make life better for all Americans and ensure that the United States marks its 250th birthday with the celebration that it deserves. Start your engines, America!”
Mayor Muriel Bowser comments
“Soon-to-be the home of every major sports franchise, Washington, D.C. is the undisputed Sports Capital,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser.
“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 D.C. 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, D.C. has to offer.”
Roger Penske comments
“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,” said Roger Penske.
“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.”
Fox Sports comments
“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 – a sport built on speed, innovation and competition,” said Eric Shanks, CEO & executive producer, FOX Sports.
“Bringing this race to Washington, D.C. during America’s 250th birthday is a powerful way to honor our past while celebrating what’s ahead, and all of us at FOX Sports couldn’t be more proud to showcase this event to the country.”
