The famed National Mall could be the site of an IndyCar Series race proposed for August 21, 2026. IndyCar is in discussions with President Trump and the Department of Transportation. (Photo by Mohammad Reza Mousavi / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by MOHAMMAD REZA MOUSAVI/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images
IndyCar officials confirmed Friday evening the series has been in ongoing discussions with President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy about an IndyCar Series race around the National Mall in Washington, DC for August 23.
An IndyCar spokesman told me that while discussions are ongoing, there is still a long way to go before it becomes a reality. He gave me the following statement:
“We are actively exploring the feasibility of a race in the nation’s capital in recognition of America’s 250th birthday. This would be an opportunity to celebrate a historic milestone for our country with an exciting and patriotic event. As you can imagine, clearing all the hurdles necessary to organize a race in Washington D.C. is a highly complex matter.”
The centerpiece of the NTT IndyCar Series is the famed Indianapolis 500, which will be held for the 110th time on May 24 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
IndyCar Has Some High-Powered Support
The IndyCar confirmation came a few hours after President Trump released a post along with an AI-generated video of a race around the most famous monuments in America’s Capital City on Truth Social. The video featured fans around the National Mall and drivers speeding through a Washington, D.C., street course.
FOX News released a story on its website Friday afternoon confirming a report from FOX Business that the Department of Transportation is pushing to have an additional race added to the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series Schedule as part of the America250 Celebration.
“The Grand Prix is an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate our nation’s proud racing pedigree, showcase the beauty of the National Mall and generate millions in critical tourism revenue for the capital,” a Department of Transportation spokesperson said in the FOX Business report. “The Trump Administration is determined to make D.C. great again, and this race is another example of that commitment. We’ll keep working with our partners in Congress to outline the positive impacts it will have on the District and correct the record.”
Donald Trump checks out the 2011 Indianapolis 500 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible Pace Car driver for the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 at Trump Tower on April 5, 2011 in New York City. Trump was originally named as Pace Car driver but later relented that honor for the race that was held on May 29, 2011. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Indianapolis Motor Speedway)
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The date being considered is August 21, the only open weekend on IndyCar’s August schedule in 2026. The prior Sunday IndyCar will be in Markham, Ontario for the August 16 Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham. The next race on the schedule after that event is the Snap-On Milwaukee IndyCar doubleheader with races on August 29 and August 30.
Major Issue That Has To Be Addressed
There is a major obstacle, however. Advertising on Capitol grounds is forbidden. It is not clear exactly where the track would be located, but the video Trump posted featured the Capitol, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.
According to Punchbowl News, a website that covers the United States Congress, Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have been notified of the plans.
If House of Representative and Senate leaders approve, it would be the second major sporting event held in the nation’s capital as part of America250, along with a UFC event scheduled for June 14 at the White House. That is also President Trump’s 80th birthday.
According to FOX News, UFC CEO and President Dana White is not concerned a planned White House fight card marking America’s 250th anniversary would be “too political,” saying that “just about everybody on the roster” wants to compete.
If IndyCar is successful in adding an 18th race to its schedule, it would be a huge boon for the racing series with the potential for a large crowd and increased television rating for the high-speed racing series.
But in Washington, D.C., there are some monumental political hurdles to overcome before an IndyCar Series race becomes a reality.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 25: Military helicopters fly over on the parade laps before the start of the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25, 2025, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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