IndyCar to Host First Street Race in Washington, D.C. This August in Historic ‘Freedom 250’
President Trump signs executive order launching the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix around the National Mall as part of America’s 250th anniversary festivities
President Donald J. Trump has signed an executive order bringing motor racing history to the nation’s capital with the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., a new event scheduled for the weekend of August 21-23, 2026. The race will be the first IndyCar street event held in Washington, unfolding around the National Mall and near iconic monuments to celebrate the United States’ semiquincentennial.
The executive order directs the U.S. Departments of Interior and Transportation to coordinate with the Mayor of Washington, D.C., to map out a suitable course that highlights the city’s historic landmarks and administers all necessary permits, approvals and logistical arrangements.
The government and INDYCAR will work together to ensure the event proceeds safely and showcases the capital’s grandeur.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy praised the initiative as a fitting tribute to American innovation, saying that motor racing reflects the country’s competitive spirit and technological excellence.
The event is part of the broader Freedom 250 celebrations marking the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of American independence and is expected to attract significant tourism and economic activity to the city.
IndyCar leadership welcomed the announcement, with the sport’s owner highlighting the opportunity to bring a championship-level race to the capital for the first time and to honor America’s motorsports tradition.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also voiced support, noting the event’s potential to boost local businesses and showcase the city as a world-class sporting destination.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will be integrated into the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series schedule as an additional street circuit event alongside other rounds, broadening the series’ footprint and providing a unique setting for drivers to compete at speeds exceeding two hundred miles per hour against a backdrop of national landmarks.
Broadcast plans include live coverage on FOX Sports, with much of the general admission areas open to the public at no cost.
The executive order directs the U.S. Departments of Interior and Transportation to coordinate with the Mayor of Washington, D.C., to map out a suitable course that highlights the city’s historic landmarks and administers all necessary permits, approvals and logistical arrangements.
The government and INDYCAR will work together to ensure the event proceeds safely and showcases the capital’s grandeur.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy praised the initiative as a fitting tribute to American innovation, saying that motor racing reflects the country’s competitive spirit and technological excellence.
The event is part of the broader Freedom 250 celebrations marking the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of American independence and is expected to attract significant tourism and economic activity to the city.
IndyCar leadership welcomed the announcement, with the sport’s owner highlighting the opportunity to bring a championship-level race to the capital for the first time and to honor America’s motorsports tradition.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also voiced support, noting the event’s potential to boost local businesses and showcase the city as a world-class sporting destination.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will be integrated into the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series schedule as an additional street circuit event alongside other rounds, broadening the series’ footprint and providing a unique setting for drivers to compete at speeds exceeding two hundred miles per hour against a backdrop of national landmarks.
Broadcast plans include live coverage on FOX Sports, with much of the general admission areas open to the public at no cost.
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