President Donald Trump hosted top-ranking IndyCar drivers at the White House on July 13, 2026, for a "Grand Prix Showcase" event promoting the forthcoming Freedom 250 street race. The event, held ahead of the race scheduled for August 22 and 23, highlighted the unique 1.7-mile track planned to wind around several National Mall landmarks, including the National Archives, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.
Trump described the event as "like no other race ever" and predicted "the highest ever ratings of any such race." Among the drivers present were Alex Palou and Felix Rosenqvist, winners of the 2025 and 2026 Indianapolis 500 races respectively, and David Malukas, who placed second in both of those events. The full list of participating drivers for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix has not yet been announced.
Also in attendance were Penske founder Roger Penske, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Penske Corporation President Bud Denker, Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks, and General Motors President Mark Reuss. Following the remarks, an IndyCar drove down Pennsylvania Avenue, and a pit crew demonstrated a quick tire change for the gathered crowd.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that this would be the first IndyCar race held in the nation's capital. The race is scheduled to coincide with the nation's 250th anniversary of independence and will celebrate the motorsports industry, according to the IndyCar series. Trump mentioned that the race would be free for viewers and is being held "on behalf of the country."
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix organization, which is running the event, stated on its website that it is "supported by a group of key partners," including IndyCar's "promotional alliance with Monumental Sports & Entertainment." The extent of federal funding involved in the event remains unclear.
Trump also referenced his recent Ultimate Fight Championship event and a Fourth of July celebration on the National Mall, both organized by Freedom 250. Duffy expressed hope for cooler weather for the August race, encouraging the public to attend what he described as an "epic" event.