President Donald Trump is reportedly scheduled to take part in a lap of honor around the Freedom 250 Grand Prix street circuit in Washington, D.C. The event, part of the NTT IndyCar Series, is set to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary.
The race is scheduled for August 23 and will feature a 1.7-mile street circuit that includes a section of Pennsylvania Avenue, passing by landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol Building. According to The New York Post, Trump's motorcade will circle the track as part of the pre-race festivities.
A White House spokesman, Davis Ingle, stated, "President Trump is ensuring America gets the spectacular birthday it deserves as we celebrate our 250th anniversary." He added, "The historic IndyCar race set to take place in our Nation’s Capital will be one of the greatest and most iconic races in history. The President will leave his imprint on this historic race in a way that only he can."
The circuit's design and construction were directed by President Trump through an executive order signed in January, which involved multiple departments and the Washington, D.C. Mayor's Office. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix was subsequently added to the IndyCar Series schedule.
Drivers Alex Palou, Felix Rosenqvist, and David Malukas have visited the White House to promote the event. Malukas, driving the No. 12 Chevrolet for Team Penske, participated in pit stop practice in front of the White House.
Practice and qualifying for the IndyCar event will occur on Saturday. The race itself, recently extended to 250 miles, is scheduled to begin on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, with pre-race coverage starting at 11:30 a.m. ET on FOX.