AMERICA 250: Trump Announces Grand Prix Racing Event in Washington, D.C.

In what is sure to be one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year, President Donald Trump has announced that the nation’s capital will host a “Freedom 250 Grand Prix” IndyCar race this August.

In an executive order signed on Friday, the President directed the Department of the Interior and the Department of Transportation to “designate a suitable race route that showcases the majesty of Washington, D.C., and its iconic national monuments.” Early mock-ups of the route have drivers roaring up the National Mall past the White House, around the Capitol Building, and down around the Lincoln Memorial. The event will take place on August 21-23 as part of the NTT IndyCar Series.

The executive order further instructs the federal government to “issue all necessary permits, approvals, and authorizations as expeditiously as possible to plan, prepare for, and conduct the race.” The administration will additionally coordinate with the city’s mayor to ensure that the local infrastructure is capable of handling the event.

Trump touted the IndyCar event as a significant achievement to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. “We’re celebrating greatness with American motor racing,” the President said. “It’s going to be so exciting.”

In a press release, IndyCar explained that the event will “recognize the historic milestone of America’s independence in addition to celebrating the unparalleled tradition and legacy of America’s motorsports industry.”

IndyCar Series owner Roger Penske joined the president for a special signing ceremony establishing the event and praised Trump for bringing IndyCar to Washington in a statement.

“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,” Penske said. “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.”

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum also commended Trump for bringing sports to the nation’s capital in celebration of America’s semiquincentennial.

“President Trump is an incredible sportsman. He’s an athlete himself. But he loves sports,” Burgum said. “And so, whether it’s soccer, UFC, the NFL football draft coming, IndyCar, and all the teams that he hosts here – I mean to any American who loves sports, you got to love this President because he is bringing professional sports to our capital.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was also present at the signing ceremony and explained that the race will be free to the public.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this. Again, I’m going to repeat. This is free for the American people to come to your nation’s capital and see a great road race,” Duffy said. “Freedom, America, speed, and road racing – it doesn’t get more American than that, Mr. President. So, thank you for signing this, and thanks for all of your support.”

The race is even drawing bipartisan applause, with Democrat D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser welcoming the news. “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,” Bowser said in a statement. “I invite all sports fans to come enjoy the Freedom 250 and all that Washington, D.C. has to offer.”

The executive order states that Burgum and Duffy have 14 days to “designate a route through Washington, D.C., that is suitable for conducting an IndyCar street race and that will showcase the majesty of our capital city in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.”

Tickets are not yet available, but fans can enter their information on IndyCar’s website to receive updates.

Alan Jamison is the pen name of a political writer with extensive experience writing for several notable politicians and news outlets.