Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. announced for August

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday [announcing the first ever] IndyCar race on the streets of the District of Columbia this summer – from Aug. 21-23 – during the celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

“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.”

The event will be administered by INDYCAR in coordination with the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor.

The departments are tasked with “expeditiously” securing the necessary permits and approvals, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will be given the authority “to use available funds to facilitate the race,” the White House added.

“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 Friday. “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.”

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, [who is a Democrat] said she’s “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,” Bowser said in a statement. “I invite all sports fans to come enjoy the Freedom 250 and all that Washington, D.C., has to offer.”

Duffy, as well as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks, whose network airs IndyCar races, also weighed in with statements praising the anticipated event. (See videos under “Resources” below.)

Apart from the logistical challenges of establishing a street race in just a matter of months, there may be other hurdles. The project could require congressional approval, given that advertising is banned on Capitol grounds and IndyCar is decked out with ads.

A White House official said the administration doesn’t believe it will need approval from Congress and is “working on various solutions for advertisement hurdles primarily through” the Department of Transportation.

A spokesperson for Democratic Delegate to Congress Eleanor Holmes Norton, who represents Washington, D.C., in the House, said last week that she would “defer to the mayor” on the IndyCar race and will “work to make it happen” if Bowser wants it to happen.

Last week, a Transportation Department spokesperson said an IndyCar race in Washington would “generate millions in critical tourism revenue for the Capital,” while adding: “We’ll keep working with our partners in Congress to outline the positive impacts it will have on the District.”

Secretary Duffy will also be asked to coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration “to permit unmanned aircraft systems and aerial photography to enhance public enjoyment without compromising” nearby government facilities, the White House fact sheet added.

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.

Compiled from articles at INDYCAR and NBC News on Jan. 30. Reprinted here for educational purposes only. May not be reproduced on other websites without permission.