Focus on the BIG picture.
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026
Outside the box.
Trump Signs Executive Order to Stage First-Ever IndyCar Street Race in Washington, D.C.
The ‘Freedom 250 Grand Prix’ will run through the capital this August as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order launching the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, an unprecedented IndyCar street race set to run through Washington, D.C., in August 2026 as part of nationwide celebrations marking the country’s 250th anniversary of independence.
The historic event, the first motor race of its kind in the nation’s capital, will navigate a designated route near the National Mall and around iconic national monuments, showcasing American motorsport and the grandeur of the city’s landmarks.
The executive order directs the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Department of Transportation to work with the Mayor of Washington, D.C., to identify and prepare streets suitable for the race within fourteen days and to issue all necessary permits and approvals as expeditiously as possible.
The order also empowers the Transportation Department to use available funds to facilitate planning and coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration to permit aerial photography and unmanned aircraft systems that enhance public enjoyment without compromising government facilities.
Scheduled for August 21–23, 2026, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix will be administered by the IndyCar Series in coordination with federal and local partners.
Trump described the event as a celebration of American ingenuity, innovation and motorsport heritage, noting that street racing at speeds exceeding two hundred miles per hour will bring excitement to the capital.
The race is also expected to drive tourism and economic activity in Washington.
IndyCar owner Roger Penske and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy were present at the Oval Office ceremony, with officials highlighting the collaborative effort between the federal government, local authorities and the racing community.
The event reflects the administration’s broader initiative to commemorate the semiquincentennial with high-profile national celebrations that spotlight American culture, athleticism and engineering achievement.
The historic event, the first motor race of its kind in the nation’s capital, will navigate a designated route near the National Mall and around iconic national monuments, showcasing American motorsport and the grandeur of the city’s landmarks.
The executive order directs the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Department of Transportation to work with the Mayor of Washington, D.C., to identify and prepare streets suitable for the race within fourteen days and to issue all necessary permits and approvals as expeditiously as possible.
The order also empowers the Transportation Department to use available funds to facilitate planning and coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration to permit aerial photography and unmanned aircraft systems that enhance public enjoyment without compromising government facilities.
Scheduled for August 21–23, 2026, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix will be administered by the IndyCar Series in coordination with federal and local partners.
Trump described the event as a celebration of American ingenuity, innovation and motorsport heritage, noting that street racing at speeds exceeding two hundred miles per hour will bring excitement to the capital.
The race is also expected to drive tourism and economic activity in Washington.
IndyCar owner Roger Penske and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy were present at the Oval Office ceremony, with officials highlighting the collaborative effort between the federal government, local authorities and the racing community.
The event reflects the administration’s broader initiative to commemorate the semiquincentennial with high-profile national celebrations that spotlight American culture, athleticism and engineering achievement.
