Overview
- President Donald Trump’s January 30 executive order directs the Interior and Transportation departments, with D.C. officials, to map a Washington, D.C., street circuit and expedite permits for the August 21–23 event.
- Roger Penske’s letter praising the decision was posted by the White House, and Penske Corporation president Bud Denker was identified as the race’s event chair alongside a new IndyCar–Monumental Sports partnership.
- McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown called the D.C. race “spectacular” for audience growth and said he hopes it becomes annual, while acknowledging it is currently planned as a one‑off.
- The late addition makes 18 races for 2026 and creates a tight late‑summer swing, with Portland, Markham (Ontario), Washington, a Milwaukee doubleheader, and Laguna Seca packed into four weeks.
- Organizers and officials say the course will feature free public viewing areas and FOX Sports coverage, with specific routing and operational plans still being finalized.