“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 in Washington, D.C.”
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to put into motion planning for bringing IndyCar to the nation’s capital for America’s 250th celebration. The race will be the first of such to be held in the streets of Washington, DC.
“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 in Washington, D.C. 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 executive order stated.
Within two weeks of the order being signed, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation are directed to designate a route through the city that would be “suitable for conducting an INDYCAR street race and that will showcase the majesty of our capital city in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.” The officials are instructed to take steps “to ensure that all permits, approvals, and other authorizations as are necessary to plan, prepare for, and conduct the Freedom 250 Grand Prix are issued and granted as expeditiously as possible.”
Officials stressed at the signing that the event, which will take place in August, would be free for all Americans to attend. Sean Duffy, the Secretary of Transportation, said that “this is free for the American people to come to your nation’s capital and see a great road race. Freedom, America, speed, and road racing, it doesn’t get more American than that Mr. President.” The even will take place between August 21 and 23, with the race taking place on the 23rd.
Doug Burgum, the Secretary of the Interior, said, that “everybody’s going to want to be” in DC for the event. “People that maybe have wanted to see an IndyCar race their whole life are now going to have an opportunity to come to their capital, celebrate 250, and see an IndyCar race for free. And they’re going to be able to see it on the National Mall, and wherever you put down your lawn chair and watch this race for free you’re going to be staring at the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and I’m sure there’s going to be fireworks this weekend too.”
Roger Penske, the owner of the IndyCar Series, said, “This is a really amazing time for us as a company to support the 250th anniversary for the country, and there’s no better way for us to bring automotive and speed into the DC area and to have the opportunity to be able to compete here with our Indy cars.”