Click for more.
IndyCar said that an executive order signed today by President Donald J. Trump directed the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday to designate a race route through Washington, D.C. and the National Mall for the purposes of conducting an NTT IndyCar Series race on 21-23 August 2026. The event – part racing and part political rally for sagging Administration voter approval – will be administered by IndyCar in coordination with the Task Force, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor. (See the latest Pew Research on AutoInformed.com)*
“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,” said Roger Penske, owner of the IndyCar series. “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.”
The move while deeply surprising to AutoInformed is – on reflection given Fox Sports broadcasting control of the series and its parent company’s uncritical support of the Trump Administration – business as usual. Trump is turning to sports to help. To borrow a thought from a dictionary writer, it is not surprising that so many in all ages and countries made Patriotism a cloak for self-interest. We await to hear what Corporation or entity will be the title sponsor of the race. Oh, the Department of Transportation [your tax dollars] is funding this? Penske’s self-interest is obvious as well. This is a one-time event only? Then there’s the security costs…
“There’s no better place to celebrate America’s independence than in our nation’s capital, and no better way to showcase that spirit than through IndyCar – a sport built on speed, innovation and competition,” said Eric Shanks, CEO & executive producer, FOX Sports. “Bringing this race to Washington, D.C. during America’s 250th birthday is a powerful way to honor our past while celebrating what’s ahead, and all of us at FOX Sports couldn’t be more proud (sic) to showcase this event to the country.”
The street circuit event will be free to the general public and include vantage points of several majestic symbols of national pride and unity. Like all NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, it will be televised to a live network audience via FOX Sports. More details about the course and the event will be shared during a kickoff gathering in the coming weeks. No word if citizens will be harassed and shot by Homeland Security when they are deemed terrorists by the unregulated Agency.
“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.”
*AutoInformed on
[This story was modified from its original version when it became known that this is a one-time event only – AutoCrat]
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
IndyCar – Freedom 250 Grand Prix at Washington National Mall
Click for more.
IndyCar said that an executive order signed today by President Donald J. Trump directed the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday to designate a race route through Washington, D.C. and the National Mall for the purposes of conducting an NTT IndyCar Series race on 21-23 August 2026. The event – part racing and part political rally for sagging Administration voter approval – will be administered by IndyCar in coordination with the Task Force, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor. (See the latest Pew Research on AutoInformed.com)*
“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,” said Roger Penske, owner of the IndyCar series. “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.”
The move while deeply surprising to AutoInformed is – on reflection given Fox Sports broadcasting control of the series and its parent company’s uncritical support of the Trump Administration – business as usual. Trump is turning to sports to help. To borrow a thought from a dictionary writer, it is not surprising that so many in all ages and countries made Patriotism a cloak for self-interest. We await to hear what Corporation or entity will be the title sponsor of the race. Oh, the Department of Transportation [your tax dollars] is funding this? Penske’s self-interest is obvious as well. This is a one-time event only? Then there’s the security costs…
“There’s no better place to celebrate America’s independence than in our nation’s capital, and no better way to showcase that spirit than through IndyCar – a sport built on speed, innovation and competition,” said Eric Shanks, CEO & executive producer, FOX Sports. “Bringing this race to Washington, D.C. during America’s 250th birthday is a powerful way to honor our past while celebrating what’s ahead, and all of us at FOX Sports couldn’t be more proud (sic) to showcase this event to the country.”
The street circuit event will be free to the general public and include vantage points of several majestic symbols of national pride and unity. Like all NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, it will be televised to a live network audience via FOX Sports. More details about the course and the event will be shared during a kickoff gathering in the coming weeks. No word if citizens will be harassed and shot by Homeland Security when they are deemed terrorists by the unregulated Agency.
“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.”
*AutoInformed on
[This story was modified from its original version when it became known that this is a one-time event only – AutoCrat]
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.