Trump Signs Order To Bring IndyCar Race To DC For America250 Celebration

President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order Friday directing federal agencies to organize a first-of-its-kind IndyCar race through the streets of Washington, D.C., tying the high-profile motorsports event to the America250 celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Trump announced the initiative from the Oval Office alongside IndyCar owner and chairperson Roger Penske, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Officials said the race is expected to take place later this summer and will be one of several major sporting events planned as part of the yearlong America250 observances, Fox News reported.

“We’re celebrating ‘Greatness With American Motor Racing,’ that’s going to be the name of the event,” Trump said, adding that the race is scheduled for Aug. 21 through Aug. 23.

“It’s going to be so exciting,” Trump said. “And I love the race. I don’t have a lot of time to watch it, but I love the racing.”

The president said attendance could “set a record for racing,” describing the event as a showcase of American innovation, engineering, and competitive excellence, all core themes of the America250 celebration.

Penske called the planned race a historic opportunity to bring one of America’s premier motorsports series directly into the nation’s capital.

“This is a really amazing time for us, as a company, to support the 250th anniversary for the country,” Penske said. “And there’s no better way for us to bring automotive and speed into the D.C. area and to have the opportunity to be able to compete here.”

He also emphasized the legacy behind the sport, pointing to the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which his organization owns.

“As you know, we own the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” Penske said. “We’re taking that history of more than 100 years, the speed, and what’s taking place there with the different manufacturers and bringing it here.”

Penske noted that much of the event would be open to the public and designed to benefit the local economy.

“Most of the grounds will be free for people to attend,” he said. “It’s going to be an economic benefit to the area and to the city.”

FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks also spoke at the White House event, framing the IndyCar race as part of a broader slate of major international sporting events being hosted in the United States.

“It’s a real honor to be a partner with Roger and IndyCar,” Shanks said. “At FOX Sports, we’re doing the biggest events in sports this year. We have the FIFA World Cup taking place here as well.”

“To dovetail right after that and be able to celebrate America’s birthday on FOX is an absolutely incredible honor,” he added.

According to NBC News, the Interior and Transportation departments will work with local officials to design a race route near the National Mall that highlights Washington’s most recognizable monuments and landmarks. A White House fact sheet said the course would be designed to “showcase the majesty of Washington, D.C.”

FOX Business previously reported that the Department of Transportation had been pushing to host a race near the National Mall as part of the America250 festivities.

Trump also promoted the event on Truth Social, sharing an AI-generated video showing fans gathered near the National Mall as IndyCars raced past the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial.

“The Grand Prix is an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate our nation’s proud racing pedigree, showcase the beauty of the National Mall and generate millions in critical tourism revenue for the capital,” a Transportation Department spokesperson said. “The Trump Administration is determined to make D.C. great again.”

The proposal is not without challenges. Federal regulations generally prohibit advertising on Capitol grounds, a potential complication given the prominent corporate sponsorships typically displayed on racing vehicles. Officials said the course layout has not yet been finalized, though landmarks featured in Trump’s promotional video included the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial.