Trump adds historic race to expand IndyCar’s 2026 calendar

The American premier open-wheel series, originally set to host 17 races, will now feature 18 events with the addition of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.

The new race, which is planned to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, will take place on a circuit carved out around the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

It is scheduled for August 21-23, filling the slot between the Grand Prix of Markham (August 16 and the double-header at Milwaukee Mile.

Trump himself has reacted to the addition of the special race to the existing IndyCar calendar. The American president, in his executive order, detailed how the open-wheel racing series has developed into a source of pride and entertainment for the United States.

The 79-year-old highlighted how the race will showcase the majesty of the city as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.

“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.

It’s worth noting that this is not the first time Trump has been involved with the IndyCar series. The U.S. president had initially been selected to drive the pace car at the 2011 Indy 500. However, backlash spanning from his political scuffle with former president Barack Obama meant Trump would not drive the pace car he was initially scheduled to.

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