In a surprising development, the NTT IndyCar Series appears to be going ahead with a street race later this year in the United States Capitol
At first, it seemed like a joke or wishful thinking, but the concept of a 2026 IndyCar street race in Washington D.C. is now very real.
United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy posted an AI-generated video last week, depicting IndyCar racing around the National Mall. U.S. President Donald Trump shared the video and expressed support for the idea, wanting it as part of celebrations for the country's 250th birthday.
On Friday, President Trump signed an executive order confirming plans for a race, calling it the 'America 250 Grand Prix.' He is instructing the city's mayor, Muriel Bowser, to work with his administration on putting the race together. The Interior and Transportation departments will be tasked with designing the track layout alongside IndyCar, and finding the funding for the race.
The plan is to hold the race on the weekend of August 21-23, between previously scheduled races in Markham, Ontario and the Milwaukee Mile in Wisconsin. It will be a logistical challenge and a tight deadline to organize such an event in the heart of the nation, and there's the obvious issue of advertisements being banned on Capitol grounds.
“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,” IndyCar owner Roger Penske said in a Friday statement first reported by NBC News. “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.”
Trump awarded Roger Penske the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019, and he joined Trump in the Oval Office for the signing of this executive order. Trump believes the race could "set a record" in regards to attendance figures.
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Category: General Sports
