Could an IndyCar Series race in Washington actually happen?
President Donald Trump issued an executive order Friday to go forward with preparations for an Aug. 23 race. The “Freedom 250 Grand Prix” would take place near the National Mall. IndyCar Series owner Roger Penske was in attendance at the signing ceremony.
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The order directs the Interior Department and Transportation Department to “designate a suitable race route that showcases the majesty of Washington D.C. and its iconic national monuments.” It also directs the departments “to issue all necessary permits, approvals and authorizations as expeditiously as possible to plan, prepare for, and conduct the race.” The race has been rumored for some time after Trump posted an AI video of an IndyCar race in the city to his social-media channels.
“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,” IndyCar owner Roger Penske said in a statement obtained by NBC. “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 2026 IndyCar Series schedule has already been announced, but the weekend of Aug. 21-23 is currently open. If the race happens, it would mean the series would race five times in five weekends to end the season and add an 18th race to the calendar.
Street races require months and sometimes even years of logistical planning. If the Washington race happens, it’ll be done within seven months in one of the busiest and most complex cities in the United States. There are a lot of hurdles to jump through; can the federal government and the District of Columbia jump through them all in such a short period of time?
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If the race happens, it’ll be the second new race on the IndyCar Series schedule. The series is set to race in Arlington, Texas, around AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field.
It would also come just over two months after a UFC event at the White House. The MMA event will be held on the South Lawn while weigh-ins are set for the Lincoln Memorial.
