March 9, 2026, Washington, District Of Columbia, USA: A Freedom 250 wrapped IndyCar sits in front of the U.S. Capitol at the start of a press event to reveal the track for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington DC. Washington USA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY - ZUMAs365 20260309_znp_s365_009 Copyright: xJoeyxSussmanx

Mar 11, 2026, 4:50 AM CUT

Donald Trump and Roger Penske Unveil New Washington DC Street Track in Historic Announcement.

With the announcement of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a street race surrounding the National Mall in August 2026, IndyCar is set to make its debut in Washington, D.C.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order approving the race as part of celebrations marking the country's 250th anniversary.

“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,” Roger Penske said.

According to the March 9 layout, the circuit will run past the National Archives and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The map includes a 0.4-mile straight on Independence Avenue where the racers would be able to unleash their full potential. The route will also extend along Pennsylvania Avenue.

The “250” in the event’s name refers to the United States’ 250th anniversary rather than the race distance, motorsport reporter Bob Pockrass pointed out.

The race will be held on August 22-23, and will be free for the public. Fans will be able to register for tickets starting in April. Bud Denker revealed that the event will be non-profit, with proceeds benefiting charities in Washington, D.C.

IndyCar president Douglas Boles noted that the planning for the race began long before the public announcement. “100%, and when it got announced, I think people thought, ‘Oh my gosh, how do you do it in such a short time?’ but it’s really been something that’s been in the works since August of last year."

However, IndyCar will not be the only motorsport series involved in the anniversary celebrations.

NASCAR Also Joins America’s 250th Celebrations

NASCAR has also planned its own race as part of the anniversary celebrations. The Anduril 250: Race the Base is scheduled for June 21, 2026, as a NASCAR Cup Series points event at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. It will be the first time the series stages a race on an active U.S. military base.

The course was developed with iRacing. This 3.4-mile, 16-turn course will be the longest road course in the 2026 Cup Series schedule.

The upcoming anniversary celebrations are bringing major motorsport races to some unusual venues in 2026.

Written by

Somadhand Das

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav