DC IndyCar race should be annual event, Johnson says
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) expressed interest in making the inaugural IndyCar race in Washington, D.C., an annual event if Republicans retain control of the House. He suggested that the future street races depend on the outcome of the upcoming midterm elections, stating he would push for the event’s continuation in the majority. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum also noted strong local support for hosting more races in the district. The two-day Freedom 250 Grand Prix drew meaningful attention, with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attending, along with about 140,000 spectators. Washington Mayor muriel Bowser, who collaborated with trump on organizing the race, indicated there are plans for additional events, highlighting the city’s focus on boosting its sports and entertainment sector. the event has garnered enthusiasm from both political leadership and residents, with prospects for future races depending on electoral results.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said he wants to make this weekend’s inaugural IndyCar race in Washington, D.C., an annual event if Republicans can retain control of the lower chamber.
“I want to bring this back next year. I want to make it an annual event, so let’s see if we can,” Johnson told Fox News senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy on The Sunday Briefing.
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Asked by Doocy if that’s possible, the House Republican leader suggested the tentative plan for the nation’s capital to host future street races is dependent on the midterm elections this fall.
“If we have any say in it, we’ll be in the majority, and I’ll be pushing for that,” Johnson said.
Shortly afterward, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum indicated a strong desire from the district’s residents to attend future races.
“The people of Washington, D.C., the greater capital region, all love this idea,” Burgum said in response to a question from Doocy. “Everybody I’ve met is saying, ‘Please, please do this again next year.’”
The two-day Freedom 250 Grand Prix continued into Sunday in downtown Washington, D.C., near the National Mall. The 250-mile race, billed as the main event, started around 1 p.m.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are attending the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, joining an estimated 140,000 people spectating the IndyCar race in person.
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Weeks before the event, Mayor Muriel Bowser said she is “very serious” about the prospect of the district hosting more races in future years. Her office has been prioritizing the city’s sports and entertainment economy for some time. Bowser leaves office next year.
Bowser worked together with Trump to organize the first-ever IndyCar race in Washington. She has suggested there are plans for a “second and third” race, though no announcements have been made yet. But given Republicans’ expressed interest, plans for future races are probable.
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