Trump hosts top IndyCar drivers at White House ahead of first-ever capital race

An IndyCar race is coming to the nation’s capital this summer, and President Donald Trump will host top drivers Monday afternoon to preview the big event. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., will wind through the capital around the National Mall on Aug. 23. Trump set the race in motion with a January executive order, which directed the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday to designate a race route through the capital. “So, the president gave us all the directive, which I'm grateful for. We're going to celebrate America's 250th birthday, and he asked all of us to think outside the box. How do we make this historic and cool? And let's all do this together,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at the signing ceremony for the executive order this winter. “And he loves the country and loves the birthday. And so, we at DOT were working on this concept. ... But to think 190 mph down Pennsylvania Avenue, this is going to be wild.” Duffy said the last race in the capital was with horses, back in 1801. “President Trump has bestowed an incredible distinction upon our sport, and we’re grateful for his trust and support as INDYCAR prepares to honor our country with a tremendous racing spectacle,” said IndyCar owner Roger Penske in a news release. “This will be a truly memorable event that celebrates our country’s independence and the legacy of patriotism, innovation and excellence that powers motorsports across America.” The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will be a street circuit event, broadcast live on Fox Sports. ----------------------------------------- Stay up to date with our social media: BakersfieldNow on Facebook:   / bakersfieldnow   BakersfieldNow on Twitter:   / bakersfieldnow   BakersfieldNow on Instagram:   / bakersfieldnow   Subscribe to BakersfieldNow on YouTube: / @bakersfieldnow For more information, visit https://bakersfieldnow.com/ Have a news tip? Send it directly to us: Email us: [email protected] Call our Tipline: 661-869-2929 KBAK and KBFX are CA based stations and a CBS and FOX Television affiliates owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. #bakersfield #News #KBAK #KBFX #BakersfieldNow#kerncounty #California