Here’s what racing fans need to know about the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON — INDYCAR racing is coming to the nation’s capital.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday directing the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday to designate a race route through D.C. and the National Mall for an INDYCAR Series race. The race is scheduled for Aug. 21 to 23.
“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.,” Trump said in his 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 race will be administered by INDYCAR with help from the White House task force, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Department of the Interior and Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office.
“Soon-to-be the home of every major sports franchise, Washington, D.C. is the undisputed Sports Capital,” Bowser said in a statement. “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.”
The street circuit event will be free to the general public. It will be broadcast live via Fox Sports. More details about the course and the event will be shared during a kickoff gathering in the coming weeks.
Fans can sign up for updates on the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. via this link.