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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Charting a course for open-wheel racing history, officials today unveiled the racetrack design and layout for this summer\u2019s Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., featuring the cars-and-stars of the NTT IndyCar Series.<\/p>\n
Scheduled for Aug. 22-23, 2026, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix will mark the first auto race held on the National Mall and the historic city streets of Washington D.C., to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The landmark weekend will be free and open to the public, offering unprecedented access to North America\u2019s premier open-wheel series framed by America\u2019s most iconic symbols of democracy, freedom and unity.<\/p>\n
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix street circuit will feature a 1.7\u2011mile\/seven\u2011turn layout, blending the high\u2011speed demands of INDYCAR racing with the historic character and stunning visuals of the nation\u2019s capital. The racing circuit will wind around the National Mall, incorporating some of America\u2019s most historic landmarks.<\/p>\n
Designed with fan accessibility, breathtaking views and safety at its core, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix street circuit will feature the high-powered cars of the NTT IndyCar Series competing on a sweeping, 0.4-mile frontstretch along Pennsylvania Avenue, framed by the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. The pit lane area will be adjacent to the track, on Pennsylvania Avenue, between Turns 1 and 2 on the circuit. The INDYCAR field also will race past the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art and the National Archives.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis circuit is unlike any other street race we\u2019ve seen,\u201d Team Penske\u2019s Josef Newgarden, a two\u2011time series champion and back\u2011to\u2011back Indianapolis 500 winner, said after touring the circuit Monday morning. \u201cYou\u2019ve got a high\u2011speed section down Pennsylvania Avenue that will reward commitment and precision, mixed with technical corners around 9th Street that will demand respect.<\/p>\n
\u201cRacing through the heart of American history, with those amazing landmarks lining the course, is going to be incredibly powerful.\u201d<\/p>\n
The NTT IndyCar Series features an international field of some of the world’s most versatile drivers,\u00a0 including Nashville\u2019s Newgarden, four-time\/reigning series champion Alex Palou of Spain and Chip Ganassi Racing and Arrow McLaren\u2019s Pato O\u2019Ward, a native of Mexico with family ties to San Antonio, Texas. Series drivers compete on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road-courses. The 2026 season consists of an expended 18 races in the United States and Canada, featuring the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge in May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.<\/p>\n
The NTT IndyCar Series, its developmental INDY NXT by Firestone series, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions are owned by Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader founded by Roger S. Penske.<\/p>\n
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix was formalized through an Executive Order signed earlier this year by President Donald J. Trump entitled \u201cCelebrating American Greatness with American Motor Racing.\u201d\u00a0The first street race around the National Mall enjoys key support from Chief of Protocol of the United States, Ambassador Monica Crowley, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe story of America is one of vision, courage, perseverance _ and speed,\u201d said Ambassador Crowley, President Trump\u2019s representative for America\u2019s 250th. \u201cWhat better way to showcase our exceptional American spirit than by hosting the Grand Prix in our Nation\u2019s Capital during our 250th birthday year. Presidents Washington and Jefferson marked notable celebrations with spirited horse races; the Freedom 250 race will bring that historic tradition into the 21st century and renew a tremendous sense of patriotic pride.\u201d<\/p>\n