Executive Order Signed to Set Plans in Motion for Washington, D.C. Grand Prix

By David Morgan, Associate Editor

Long floating around the rumor mill, an NTT IndyCar Series race in Washington, D.C. took a step toward becoming a reality on Friday when President Donald Trump signed an executive order at the White House to start the process on bringing America’s premier open wheel series to the nation’s capital over the weekend of August 21-23.

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix as it will be called will run on a course yet to be mapped out that will be run near the National Mall. IndyCar will administer the event in coordination with the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, along with the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior, and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor.

The entire executive order can be read below:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/01/celebrating-american-greatness-with-american-motor-racing/

“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.” Trump said in 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,” Trump continued. “With speeds topping over 200 miles per hour, the cars and drivers inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport.”

In attendance with the President in the Oval Office while the executive order was being signed were Penske Entertainment Chairman Roger Penske, FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks, and others.

“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 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.”

“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,” Shanks added.

“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.”

Graham Rahal addressed the rumors of the D.C race earlier in the week, expressing his excitement about the race possibly coming to fruition this year.

“If you really are an INDYCAR fan, this is a huge opportunity that’s been given to us. Hasn’t been given to NASCAR, not to Formula 1, it’s been given to INDYCAR,” said Rahal.

“Obviously I’m a patriotic guy. No matter who’s in the White House, I don’t care who it is, if we got to go race in Washington, it would be awesome, particularly in the National Mall. I mean, one of my favorite things to do is go to the National Mall and walk around at night and see what it’s all about, and understand history. Good, bad, understand history, see what it’s all about.

“So for us to go get the opportunity if it happens to race in Washington, I think it’s a damn good deal. It’s a big-time of year. We have a lot of potential sponsors that are looking at the sport right now. They’re really all rallying around this 250, the anniversary, what that can do for them. Particularly our sponsor is very patriotic. You guys know that. It’s a big-time for us. If that race happens, I think it’s a great opportunity for our team in particular to lure in some more partners and things like that.

“Let’s see what happens. I think for INDYCAR racing, we’ve all been talking for all these years getting opportunities to get street races, go to new venues. It’s all laid out there on a grand stage. I think it would be great for the sport.”

As scheduled, the race will fall during a busy month of August for the series, slotting in after a visit to Canada for the new race in Markham and before a trip to Milwaukee for a double-header weekend.

Per the release, the event will be free to the public and is set to showcase many of the well known landmarks around the city. More information about the event will be forthcoming in the coming weeks.