U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to hold an IndyCar race in the streets of Washington this August, to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the country, which is celebrated on July 4. The order aims to coordinate the design of a racing circuit near the National Mall and other iconic monuments in the city. "This is going to draw a huge crowd, I won't even say how many, because I think it could set a record for attendance. It's going to be very, very important," Trump said. "We are celebrating the greatness of American motorsport," the president said from the Oval Office. The race, which he has dubbed the 'America250 Grand Prix', will likely be held on Sunday, August 23. "This will be a truly memorable event that celebrates our nation's independence and the legacy of patriotism, innovation, and excellence that drives motorsport across the United States," IndyCar owner Roger Penske said in a statement on Friday. Last week, Trump shared an AI-generated video on his Truth Social network simulating an Indycar race around the Capitol. This year, the IndyCar season consists of 17 races; the competition will kick off on March 1 in St. Petersburg, Florida, and conclude on September 6 at the Laguna Seca circuit in Monterey, California.
