President Donald J. Trump will have a special role at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. this weekend.
The race, set to take place Aug. 23, will use a 1.7-mile street circuit that will use part of Pennsylvania Avenue and go past some of the iconic Washington, D.C. monuments. And, according to reports, President Trump will play a role in the race.
According to The New York Post, President Trump’s motorcade will make its way around the circuit as part of the festivities leading up to the Grand Prix itself. The race is being held in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
President Trump has a history in racing events, previously attending and doing a lap at the Daytona 500.
CHRIS GRAYTHEN/Getty Images
IndyCar drivers appear to be all for this.
Multiple IndyCar drivers appeared on Fox News this week, expressing their excitement for the race and the opportunity to represent the United States of America on a grand stage in front of President Trump.
Josef Newgarden, driver of the No. 2 Chevrolet for Team Penske, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, and a two-time series champion, is extremely pumped.
“I don’t know when we’re going to have an opportunity to race in our nation’s capital again with an IndyCar,” he said. “So, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Want to go out there and win with our team — with Team Penske — and obviously represent the country.”
Other IndyCar figures excited to race in front of President Trump, too
Kyle Kirkwood, driver of Andretti Global’s No. 27 Honda, says that it’s going to be “awesome.”
“This has been going on for many, many months, setting up the track, which is on down Pennsylvania (Avenue), around the museums, and then (goes) right by the Capitol. It’s going to be a beautiful backdrop,” Kirkwood said on Fox News. “Suites are incredible; 100,000 people on both days out there to see the event. We can’t wait, as drivers. It’s going to be awesome.
The race is set to take place on Sunday, August 23.
