Trump Announces IndyCar Race in Washington for America250 Celebration
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to bring an IndyCar race to the streets of Washington, D.C., during the summer of 2026 as part of the America250 celebration marking the U.S. 250th anniversary. The event, named the 'America250 Grand Prix,' is scheduled for August 21-23 and aims to showcase the city's iconic monuments with a race route near the National Mall. The White House instructed the Interior and Transportation departments to coordinate with the mayor and secure permits quickly, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy authorized to use available funds to facilitate the race. IndyCar, led by owner Roger Penske, expressed enthusiasm, highlighting the race as a patriotic event supporting America's legacy of innovation and motorsports excellence. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser welcomed the event, emphasizing its potential to boost local tourism and showcase the city. The project faces logistical challenges, including potential congressional approval due to advertising restrictions on Capitol grounds, as IndyCar vehicles often feature ads. The White House believes congressional approval may not be necessary and is exploring solutions through the Department of Transportation. Additional efforts include a promotional AI-generated video shared by Trump on Truth Social, depicting fans and drivers in Washington, D.C. The event is part of a broader series of sports and cultural celebrations planned for the year, including a UFC event on Trump's 80th birthday, June 14. Officials from the Department of Transportation and the White House emphasized the race's potential to generate significant tourism revenue and celebrate American motorsports. Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks highlighted the event's importance in the context of major sports events like the FIFA World Cup. Overall, the initiative reflects a national celebration of American history and sports, with plans to make the race a memorable and economically beneficial event for Washington, D.C.
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