The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is planning to play a large part in the United States’ 250th anniversary. For a long time, the series has been looking to get back into the Middle Atlantic area after a couple of years producing street racing events at Baltimore, MD. While that race didn’t meet every objective the series had, it was well-liked by teams and had acceptable attendance.
Now, with an executive order signed and released by President Donald J. Trump on the 30th of January, the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday begins preparation for INDYCAR’s upcoming race through the streets of Washington, D.C. and the National Mall. Scheduled for August 21-23, the event is intended to recognize the historic milestone of the United States’ independence from England; INDYCAR intends to make this a celebration of its traditions and legacy in the American racing industry.
“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’s executive order decreed. “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.”
INDYCAR will administrate the race, together with the taskforce, the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of The Interior and the city’s Executive Office of the Mayor. “For over one hundred years,” Trump continued, “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.” Mr. Trump was, several years before he became president, designated to drive the pace vehicle at the Indianapolis 500. He initially agreed, but later demurred from pacing that race.
INDYCAR, of course, is the current group racing the Indianapolis 500, which will hold its 110th 500-mile race this May, on the Sunday before Memorial Day. The world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event, the Indianapolis 500 welcomes more than 350,000 to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, to witness the compelling race and to show respect and gratitude to the country’s military heroes.
“President Trump has bestowed an incredible distinction upon our sport,” noted Roger Penske, part owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, INDYCAR and its in-house broadcast network. FOX is another owner of the sport’s most popular open-wheel series. “We’re grateful for the trust and support as INDYCAR prepares to honor our country with a tremendous racing spectacle,” Penske continued. “This will be a truly memorable event, that celebrates our country’s independence nd the legacy of patriotism, innovation and excellence that powers motorsports across America.”
“There’s no better place to celebrate our 250th anniversary than bringing that energy to the nation’s capital and showcasing Washington D.C. to the world,” agreed Sean Duffy, US Secretary of Transportation. “The Department of the Interior is proud to help bring the historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix to Washington, D.C. to showcase our treasured public spaces through a monumental event that captures the American spirit in the heart of our nation’s capital,” noted Doug Burgum, secretary of the interior.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reminded, “Soon to be the home of every major sports franchise, Washington D.C. is the undisputed Sports Capital. We don’t stop there and [we] work to attract major events,” she reminded. “That’s why I am 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., filling our hotels and restaurants, showing visitors, residents and the sports world that there’s no better city, people and backdrop for major sports events.”
The best news about this pending event is that it will be free to the general public, who will enjoy vantage points of several majestic symbols of national pride and unity. As with every one of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, this premier event will be televised to a live network audience with FOX Sports direction. More details about the course and the event will be shared during a kickoff gathering in the coming weeks, the series said.
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