‘Celebrate our history’: Trump signs order to have IndyCar race in D.C. in honor of nation’s 250th
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to have an IndyCar race on the streets of Washington, D.C., in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday this year.
It will be the first time ever for such an event to be in Washington, and it will happen on a circuit running from Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial and back around the National Mall on a layout that still is being developed.
A report from American Cars and Racing said Trump’s order instructs officials at Interior and Transportation to help “designate a suitable race route that showcases the majesty of Washington, D.C. and its iconic national monuments.”
Trump also called for the issuance of all needed permits, and authorized funds for the project.
IndyCar owner Roger Penske attended the signing and noted the broadcast partner for the races, Fox, will do it justice.
“Believe me, what they did for us at Indy this past year (Fox’s first year broadcasting the Indy 500), they’re going to take that and put it on steroids, really, and take it to the next level,” he said.
Events are to be Aug. 21-23.
American speed. American power. American GREATNESS.
President Donald J. Trump just signed an Executive Order launching the FIRST-EVER IndyCar race through the streets of our Nation’s Capital: The Freedom 250 Grand Prix. pic.twitter.com/Q9gYqA00Vo
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 30, 2026
President Trump is putting the pedal to the metal with the Freedom 250 Grand Prix ️
IndyCar owner Roger Penske on the race: “There’s no better way for us to bring automotive and speed to the DC area… this will be AMAZING!” pic.twitter.com/jYMFTKPW4W
— USDOT Rapid Response (@USDOTRapid) January 30, 2026
BREAKING: President Trump signs executive order bringing IndyCar race to DC for America250 celebrations.
“This is going to be wild,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.
“This is free for the American people to come to your nation’s capital and see a great road race.… pic.twitter.com/coIss14mDh
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 30, 2026
The announcement from the White House said Trump’s actions are “bringing world-class American motor racing to the heart of the Nation’s capital to celebrate our history, inspire future generations, and highlight the enduring spirit of American innovation and achievement.”
The White House said, “American INDYCAR racing has thrilled Americans for over a century, producing legends like A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti and drawing global attention to the Indianapolis 500 each Memorial Day weekend.”
And, it said, “President Trump is fulfilling his campaign promise to ‘give America’s founding in 1776 the incredible anniversary it truly deserves.'”