- Indycar is heading to Washington, DC for a new street race.
- The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is scheduled for late August.
- Race made possible by executive order from President Trump.
President Trump has issued an executive order “celebrating American greatness with American motor racing.” It paves the way for the first street race to be held in the nation’s capital.
Known as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, the Indycar race will kick off on August 21 and see drivers race around Washington DC. Specifics haven’t been hammered out, but the executive order calls for the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation to come up with the route within 14 days.
A Race Against the Clock
That’s a tight turnaround and the order also calls for the secretaries to “take steps to ensure that all permits, approvals, and other authorizations as are necessary to plan, prepare for, and conduct the Freedom 250 Grand Prix are issued and granted as expeditiously as possible.”
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Unfortunately for taxpayers, they’re going to be on the hook for an undisclosed amount as the Secretary of Transportation will “use available funds to help facilitate the presentation of the race.”
That’ll likely rub some people the wrong way, but it didn’t stop the White House from sharing an AI video on social media. It depicts Trump flying on Marine One, alongside a bald eagle, and starting the race in front of Capitol Hill.
While Formula 1 goes to great lengths to block views of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Washington race won’t follow suit. Quite the opposite as Indycar said the “street circuit event will be free to the general public and include vantage points of several majestic symbols of national pride and unity.”
The race will also be shown on Fox Sports, with additional details set to be released in the coming weeks.
In a statement, Roger Penske said “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.”
He added, “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.”
