March 9, 2026, Washington, District Of Columbia, USA: A Freedom 250 wrapped IndyCar sits in front of the U.S. Capitol at the start of a press event to reveal the track for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington DC. Washington USA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY - ZUMAs365 20260309_znp_s365_009 Copyright: xJoeyxSussmanx
March 9, 2026, Washington, District Of Columbia, USA: A Freedom 250 wrapped IndyCar sits in front of the U.S. Capitol at the start of a press event to reveal the track for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington DC. Washington USA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY - ZUMAs365 20260309_znp_s365_009 Copyright: xJoeyxSussmanx
Jul 31, 2026, 10:15 AM CUT
DC Mayor eyes IndyCar's return in 2027 even before Freedom 250 GP debut
Washington, D.C., is all set to host the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on August 22-23 around the National Mall. This is set to be the first-ever IndyCar race in the city, and it has grabbed ample attention already. Amid this, there are reports that the city wants to bring the race back next year.
With nearly three weeks to go for the coveted race, the city's Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a press conference on Wednesday that the IndyCar race will be the "first ever" to be held in the capital. She then teased the race fans with a potential return of the race in 2027 and 2028.
"You notice I said first, to be followed by second and third," Bowser said, as quoted by the Washington Examiner.
March 15, 2026, Arlington, Tx, USA: NTT IndyCar, Indy Car, IRL, USA SERIES driver, PATO OWARD 5 MEX of Monterey, Mexico races through the turns during the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington at Streets of Arlington in ARLINGTON, TX. Arlington USA - ZUMAa161 20260315_aaa_a161_199 Copyright: xWalterxG.xArcexSr.x
March 15, 2026, Arlington, Tx, USA: NTT IndyCar, Indy Car, IRL, USA SERIES driver, PATO OWARD 5 MEX of Monterey, Mexico races through the turns during the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington at Streets of Arlington in ARLINGTON, TX. Arlington USA - ZUMAa161 20260315_aaa_a161_199 Copyright: xWalterxG.xArcexSr.x
While the governing body has yet to finalize its 2027 calendar and announce the track's return, the Mayor seems confident about it.
The race will take place on a 1.7-mile, 7-turn street circuit around the US Capitol and Washington Monument. The race will have 125 laps and will be broadcast on FOX.
It is a part of the celebration of America's 250th Independence in 2026, and general admission for fans has been made free. Besides the main race, there will be a special race, the IROC support race, where former IndyCar and NASCAR icons will take part.
IndyCar star shares his thoughts about visiting the White House as part of Freedom 250 GP promotions
With less than a month to go for the race, the Washington, D.C. streets are currently undergoing work to transform them into a street circuit, with streets and lanes experiencing partial closures for the event.
Before this, a host of IndyCar stars had visited the White House and met President Donald Trump last week. Speaking about the day, Team Penske's David Malukas, who also did a live pit stop in front of the White House, said (via IndyCar.com):
"Incredible day and one I’ll never forget. It was my first time getting to see the White House and truly see it, getting a special tour from the President. It was such a cool experience to do an INDYCAR pit stop for the first time at the White House.
"I think, for all the drivers, this is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to celebrate America's 250th, and I can't think of any other better way to do it than here in Washington, D.C., at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix."
The two other drivers who also met President Trump that day were reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou and 2026 Indy 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist. IndyCar owner Roger Penske was also present and gifted a special racing helmet to the President.
Written by
Sabyasachi Biswas
Edited by
Yash Kotak