Trump Signs Executive Order to Bring IndyCar Race to D.C. for America250/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump signed an executive order to host an IndyCar race in Washington, D.C., as part of the America250 celebrations. The August 21–23 event will showcase iconic landmarks and is expected to boost tourism and patriotism. It joins a slate of high-profile events including a UFC match on Trump’s 80th birthday and the FIFA World Cup.
Quick Look
- Trump signs executive order for D.C. IndyCar race during America250
- Race tentatively scheduled for Aug. 21–23 near the National Mall
- Roger Penske, Sean Duffy, and Doug Burgum join Oval Office announcement
- Free public viewing areas planned; expected economic boost
- Trump shares AI-generated promo video on Truth Social
- UFC event set for South Lawn on June 14, Trump’s 80th birthday
- Legal concerns raised over Capitol-area advertising restrictions
- FOX Sports to broadcast the event after World Cup ends
Trump Signs Executive Order to Bring IndyCar Race to D.C. for America250
Deep Look
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order to bring an IndyCar street race to the heart of the nation’s capital this summer, as part of the America250 celebrations marking the country’s 250th anniversary.
The planned event, titled “Greatness with American Motor Racing,” is scheduled for August 21–23 and could see high-performance IndyCars speeding past the National Mall’s most iconic landmarks.
Trump made the announcement from the Oval Office, joined by IndyCar owner Roger Penske, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, all of whom pledged their support to make the race a showcase of American ingenuity, history, and entertainment.
“It’s going to be so exciting,” said Trump. “We’re bringing back greatness — through American racing.”
Oval Office Announcement: Racing Meets Patriotism
Trump signed the executive order in front of Penske and senior administration officials, stating the race could “set a record for racing attendance.” The president, who turns 80 in June, has made cultural and sporting events a central part of the America250 agenda.
Roger Penske called the event “a historic moment,” saying his company was thrilled to bring a century of IndyCar heritage to Washington, D.C.
“We’re taking the speed and tradition of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and bringing it here to D.C.,” Penske said. “This will be an unforgettable moment for the sport and for the country.”
The Freedom 250, as it’s informally being called, is expected to feature free public viewing areas and generate a significant economic boost for the capital.
Transportation, Infrastructure — and Controversy
The Departments of Transportation and Interior will coordinate with D.C. city officials to lay out a route through the city. According to a White House fact sheet, the proposed course will highlight the grandeur of national monuments like the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and Washington Monument.
However, the plan faces logistical challenges: advertising is banned on Capitol grounds, and IndyCars are typically covered in commercial sponsorships.
A Department of Transportation spokesperson said the administration is working with Congress to resolve legal obstacles and emphasized the event’s potential to generate tourism revenue and promote American engineering excellence.
“The Grand Prix is an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate our nation’s proud racing legacy,” the spokesperson said. “We are determined to make D.C. great again.”
Trump Posts AI Promo, UFC Event Also Coming
To promote the race, Trump posted an AI-generated video on Truth Social showing fans cheering as IndyCars blaze past national landmarks. While critics questioned the video’s realism, it quickly racked up millions of views.
The IndyCar event isn’t the only America250 celebration planned. A UFC fight card is slated for June 14, Trump’s 80th birthday, to be held on the White House South Lawn, part of a yearlong push to blend patriotism, sport, and spectacle.
Fox Sports, World Cup, and a Summer of Mega-Events
FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks praised the partnership with Penske and the Trump administration, noting that FOX will also be broadcasting the FIFA World Cup in the U.S. this summer.
“To follow the World Cup with this once-in-a-lifetime event in D.C., for America’s birthday, is incredible,” Shanks said. “Everyone at FOX Sports is ready to bring this to life.”
What’s Next?
It’s still unclear exactly where the IndyCar track will run, but plans include major stretches near the National Mall. More details will be released in the coming months as officials finalize permits and public safety preparations.
If successful, the race would be the first of its kind in the capital, combining one of America’s most enduring sports with its most symbolic city.
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