WASHINGTON, D.C. — With IndyCar owner Roger Penske and Penske Corporation’s Bud Denker on hand in the Oval Office on Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating an NTT IndyCar Series event in the nation’s capital.
The event known as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington will be held near the National Mall to honor the country’s 250th birthday and according to the plan announced Friday would be run Aug. 21-22.
“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.” said President Trump via 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.”
The event will be administered by IndyCar in coordination with the taskforce, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior, and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor.
“For over one hundred years, American Indy car racing has set the pace for motorsports,” President 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.”
The order directs the Department of Interior and the Department of Transportation to designate a suitable race route that will showcase the majesty of Washington, D.C. and its iconic national monuments.
The order also instructs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation to issue all necessary permits, approvals and authorizations as expeditiously as possible to plan, prepare for, and conduct the race.
The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to use available funds to facilitate the race and coordinate with the FAA to permit unmanned aircraft systems and aerial photography to enhance public enjoyment without compromising nearby Government facilities.
With many details still to be ironed out, the race will fall between events in Ontario and The Milwaukee Mile in Wisconsin.
“For us as a company, to support the 250th anniversary for the country, 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 with our IndyCars,” said Penske. “We own the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and we’re taking that history of over 100 years and the speed and what’s taken place there with the different manufacturers, and bringing it here for this race. It will be amazing … We’re excited for people to see it. Most of the grounds will be free. It’s going to be an economic benefit to the area, to the city.”
“Freedom doesn’t ring, it revs! IndyCar is about competition and pushing limits — the same things that have always defined America,” said United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. “There’s no better place to celebrate our 250th anniversary than bringing that energy to the nation’s capital and showcasing Washington, D.C. to the world.”
“The Department of the Interior is proud to help bring the historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix to Washington, D.C. to showcase our treasured public spaces through a monumental event that captures the America spirit in the heart of our nation’s capital,” saidSecretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.”Like the sport of racing itself, this administration, under President Donald J. Trump, is moving at record speed to make life better for all Americans and ensure that the United States marks its 250th birthday with the celebration that it deserves. Start your engines, America!”
“Soon-to-be the home of every major sports franchise, Washington, D.C. is the undisputed Sports Capital,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “But we don’t stop there and work to attract major events. That’s why I am thrilled to welcome the Freedom 250 to the Nation’s Capital this August. The race weekend will rev up the economic engine of D.C. by filling our hotels and restaurants and by showing visitors, residents and the sports world that there’s no better city, people and backdrop for major sports events. I invite all sports fans to come enjoy the Freedom 250 and all that Washington, D.C. has to offer.”
