The first of its kind NTT IndyCar Series street race in Washington D.C. was announced Friday (Jan. 30) by owner Roger Penske and President Donald Trump.
Planned for Aug. 21-23, the event will be part of the on-going celebrations tied to the United State’s 250th birthday. Unlike previous race announcements, this one was confirmed by executive order by the president himself.
“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.”
While no layout has been chosen, the executive order directed a taskforce tied to the organization managing the country’s 250th celebrations to identify a route in the National Mall.
The event will be administered by INDYCAR in coordination with the taskforce, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor.
“For over one hundred years, American INDYCAR racing has set the pace for motorsports,” President Trump said. “With speeds topping over 200 miles per hour, the cars and drivers inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport.”
Penske was present with the president at the White House announcement.
“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.”
The additional race will bump IndyCar’s schedule to 18, and give the series five straight weeks of racing to end their season.
Tom is an IndyCar writer at Frontstretch, joining in March 2023. Besides writing the IndyCar Previews and frequent editions of Inside IndyCar, he will hop on as a fill-in guest on the Open Wheel podcast The Pit Straight. A native Hoosier, he calls Fort Wayne home. Follow Tom on Twitter @TomBlackburn42.
I wonder what conman Trump’s piece of the action is for this deal?
Frontstretch has always been my go-to site for racing info and news. I hope it stays that way. Please keep your political comments to yourself or stick with the mainstream news.
While I 100% agree with your statement, I cannot see where Frontstretch made any political comments here. They just quoted from the press release about the race.
I will say this article informed my opinion as to whether or not I’ll watch the DC race, and what I think of the series in general. But, as you noted, I come to this site for racing news, so I’ll keep whether I view this as a positive or negative to myself.
I did not intend to make it sound negative against Frontstretch, just the comment. I could have worded it better. sorry about that.