President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to bring an IndyCar race to the streets of Washington, D.C., marking a historic first for the nation’s capital. Scheduled for August 23, 2026, the race will be a highlight of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Will Weissert of apnews.com reports that the race will wind through prominent streets near the White House and the National Mall, with IndyCars reaching speeds of up to 200 mph. Trump signed the order in the Oval Office alongside IndyCar owner Roger Penske.
The White House announced the event will be free, open to the public, and televised nationwide. The order instructs federal agencies to expedite race route approvals and to begin coordinating with city officials.
President Donald Trump’s Executive Order Outlines Race Planning
The executive order gives the Departments of Transportation and the Interior two weeks to identify a suitable route in Washington for the IndyCar street race. According to Will Weissert of apnews.com, the route will likely include the National Mall.
Trump said he wants organizers to choose the best possible location, even if the process becomes more complex. “I said, pick the best site. It’s very important. Even if it’s more difficult to get, to get approved, pick the absolute best site.”
The order also calls for city officials and federal agencies to collaborate closely with race organizers. Planning will address road access, safety protocols, and heightened security because of the race’s proximity to federal buildings and monuments.
IndyCar and Penske Respond to Race Announcement
Penske said the race presents a rare opportunity for the series. “No better way for us to bring automotive and speed into the D.C. area, and to be able to have the opportunity to compete here with our IndyCars.”
Trump also spoke about his interest in motorsports during the signing ceremony. “It’s going to be so exciting. I love the racing. I don’t have a lot of time to watch it, but I love the racing.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attended the ceremony and highlighted the scale of the event. “To think, 190 miles an hour down Pennsylvania Avenue. This is going to be wild.”
Organizers noted they had previously lobbied Congress to approve a road race in Washington, but were unsuccessful until now.
Historic Context and Free Public Access
Will Weissert of apnews.com notes that the last known race in Washington took place in 1801 and featured horses during Thomas Jefferson’s presidency. Upon learning of this history, Trump remarked, “That’s something.”
Duffy said the upcoming race will mark a new chapter. “Now we’re going to do a real race,” he said. He also confirmed the event will be free to attend. “Freedom. America. Speed. And road racing. It doesn’t get more American than that.”
The race complements the broader America 250 plans, which feature several major public events in 2026. IndyCar confirmed that the Washington event will be added to its schedule, bringing the series to the nation’s capital for the first time.
Donald Trump Signs Executive Order for IndyCar Race in Washington