President Trump signs executive order bringing IndyCar race to DC for America250
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday to have an IndyCar race on the streets of Washington, D.C. for America250.
"We're celebrating Greatness with American Motor Racing. That's going to be the name of the event," Trump said from the Oval Office on Friday, announcing that the event will take place from Aug. 21-23.
"It's going to be so exciting. And, I love the race. I don't have a lot of time to watch it, but I love the racing," Trump said.
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The president said the potential attendance could "set a record for racing."
IndyCar owner and chairperson Roger Penske added, "This is a really amazing time for us, as a company, to support the 250th anniversary for the country. And there's no better way for us to bring automotive and speed into the D.C. area and to have the opportunity to be able to compete here where there are IndyCars.
"As you know, we own the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and we are taking that history of over 100 years and the speed and what's taking place there with the different manufacturers, and bringing it here to this race will be amazing. Certainly the Freedom 250, when you think about it, it's just a byproduct of what the president has done during this year. And this will be event obviously in August, which will make a huge difference. And we're excited. The areas for people to see most of the grounds will be free. So it's going to be an economic benefit to the area, to the city."
FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks also spoke in the White House.
"It's a real honor to be a partner with Roger and IndyCar. And at Fox Sports, we do the biggest events in sports this year. We have the FIFA World Cup that will be celebrating here as well. And then dovetailing right after that to be able to celebrate America's birthday on Fox, is an absolutely incredible honor," he said. "And everyone at Fox Sports can't wait, to see exactly how this is going to unfold and bring it to life. So, Mr. President, thank you again for signing this today."
According to NBC News, the Interior and Transportation departments will to "coordinate with the Mayor" and plan a race route near the National Mall "that showcases the majesty of Washington, D.C., and its iconic national monuments," based on a fact sheet.
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NBC News also reported, citing the White House, that the departments are expected to "expeditiously" secure the needed permits and approvals, and that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will have the authority "to use available funds to facilitate the race."
The Department of Transportation was making a push to hold a race on the National Mall as part of the celebration, FOX Business confirmed last week.
In conjunction with the push, Trump posted to Truth Social an AI-generated video promoting the race. The video featured fans around the National Mall and drivers speeding through a Washington, D.C., raceway.
"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.
"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."
The event does have a roadblock ahead of it, though, as advertising on Capitol grounds is forbidden. Racing vehicles are often littered with ads.
It is not clear exactly where the track would be located, but the video Trump posted featured the Capitol, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.
There is also a UFC event planned for the South Lawn on June 14, Trump's 80th birthday.
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