IndyCar announces Freedom 250 GP of Washington, D.C. as 18th race in 2026
The IndyCar Series has expanded its 17-race calendar for 2026 to include a brand-new street race around Washington, D.C. as part of the country’s 250th birthday celebrations.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington D.C. was formalized with “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 IndyCar Series race on August 21-23, 2026,” the series announced. “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.”
In the executive order, President Trump declared, “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. 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.
“For over one hundred years, American IndyCar racing has set the pace for motorsports. With speeds topping over 200 miles per hour, the cars and drivers inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport.”
The race will be administered by Penske Entertainment which runs a number of its own IndyCar events, including the Grand Prix of Long Beach, Detroit Grand Prix, Indianapolis Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500.
“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 series owner Roger Penske, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Trump in 2019. "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.”
Penske Entertainment co-owner Fox Corporation, through its FOX Sports division, pushed for the Washington, D.C. event and wants more like it throughout the nation.
“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 FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks. “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 to showcase this event to the country.”
RACER has confirmed the new race is a full points-paying championship event, and according to the series, "The street circuit event will be free to the general public and include vantage points of several majestic symbols of national pride and unity. More details about the course and the event will be shared during a kickoff gathering in the coming weeks."
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