IndyCar Thread - Discussion on IndyCar races and its drivers
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- Joined
- Feb 24, 2019
Herta has to come out guns blazing if he wants to be relevant in F2. It's full of hungry 19 year olds who have been groomed by dad from birth into being the next F1 superstar. They will give him a hard time.
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2015
They nixed the F2 plan at least for now in favor of the more sensible 'rack up SL points in test/FP1'.
This was kind of unexpected. Until very very recently the (very sensible) talk was that it was going to a disused airport which would've been cooler than 'one of the middest suburbs of the GTA'.
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2022
Yeah, I'm glad he didn't do it because it's a lose/lose proposition. He's nearly 30 with multiple years of top-flight racing experience going against teenagers who are barely out of karts, his expectation is to win. If he doesn't, he ends up as big of a bust as Miyata and makes the entire series look bad.
I'm surprised they did the sensible thing for once.
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2019
Mick Schumacher did an Indycar test with RLL recently. Any bets on how he'll do in this series?
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2015
I imagine Mick'll be okay. He'll be unironically great for the series, though - lots of people will watch for him. He even said he wants to do the ovals, setting him right apart from most big name (if not big talent) F1 drivers who toy with it. I kind of hope it happens. I think he'll be competitive, at least.
This is probably the best place to say it too, for off season fun, Bathurst was a banger. Well the second half was anyway.
This is probably the best place to say it too, for off season fun, Bathurst was a banger. Well the second half was anyway.
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2019
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2015
Yes and no. Thie doesn't impact the 'management structure' only officiating. If anything the big complaint about this is that it's kind of a least-effort move to make everyone happy post P2P/bondogate. Of course there weren't many real alternatives. Some fucking retards were calling for the FIA to come in, like that would do anything good.
Kyria the Great
kiwifarms.net
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2017
I hope it's great because I think he was dealt a bad hand in F1, though it doesn't help the reputation that Indycar is for F1 rejects.
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2021
Trump is planning an IndyCar race in DC to celebrate America’s 250th birthday:
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- Joined
- Aug 28, 2015
So, as I said in the thread, this was a big rumor going around in Indycar circles in the initial off season. It was declared infeasible several months ago, at least on the timeline they had to do it this year.
With the full force of Trump pushing it through it could happen. It would be fucking wild. More than one commentator talked about this potential race and Penske's invite to the 500 as a risky thing because of how it could politicize the sport. Which is a risk, butagain, we'll see.
In other news, Palou pays 12 mil to McLaren. Bet Zac would rather have Alex. And Chip is apparently paying it all.
With the full force of Trump pushing it through it could happen. It would be fucking wild. More than one commentator talked about this potential race and Penske's invite to the 500 as a risky thing because of how it could politicize the sport. Which is a risk, butagain, we'll see.
In other news, Palou pays 12 mil to McLaren. Bet Zac would rather have Alex. And Chip is apparently paying it all.
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2019
They are going to have to really get things in gear to both make the track happen and the race happen in such a timeframe. That said, it can be done and if Indycar gets the necessary funding, it would be worth it as one more street course in the calendar. And whatever happens, don't let NIMBYs ruin it.
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2015
If they want to do it around the monuments (actually unlikely, it would make a crappy track) it might need congressional approval which.... There's some NIMBY for you. Ubergiganimby.
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2020
No way. I remember there was a Trans-Am (or some other similar category) temporary track that ran around RFK Stadium and it didn't last long because, what else, the neighborhood complained of the noise.
At best this will go the same way the races in Baltimore, Nashville and Houston went. A few uneventful races and then shafted. And at worst it could be an absurd money sink like the Hawaiian Superprix or the Texas 600 for CART.
At best this will go the same way the races in Baltimore, Nashville and Houston went. A few uneventful races and then shafted. And at worst it could be an absurd money sink like the Hawaiian Superprix or the Texas 600 for CART.
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2015
ALMS. About half the track is actually still there, but the rest has been built over.
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2018
Consider it official, Indy in D.C.
https://www.indycar.com/news/2026/01/01-30-freedom250gp
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presiden...merican-greatness-with-american-motor-racing/
January 30, 2026
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose and Policy. For over 100 years, American INDYCAR racing has set the pace for motor sports. With speeds topping over 200 miles per hour, the cars and drivers inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport. It has given us racing legends such as A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti, and continues to thrill every Memorial Day weekend when people travel from across the globe to the Indianapolis 500, the largest single-day sporting event in the world.
INDYCAR racing is a source of pride and entertainment for our Nation, which is why I am pleased to announce the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. This race, the first motor race ever to be held in our Nation’s capital near the National Mall, will showcase the majesty of our great city as drivers navigate a track around our iconic national monuments in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
Sec. 2. Designating the Race Route. Within 14 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation shall designate a route through Washington, D.C., that is suitable for conducting an INDYCAR street race and that will showcase the majesty of our capital city in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
Sec. 3. Permits and Approvals. The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation shall take steps to ensure that all permits, approvals, and other authorizations as are necessary to plan, prepare for, and conduct the Freedom 250 Grand Prix are issued and granted as expeditiously as possible. Such steps may include the Secretary of the Interior considering the Freedom 250 Grand Prix to be a “special event” under 36 C.F.R. 7.96(g), as amended by 90 Fed. Reg. 25498 (temporary rule re: National Capital Region; America250 Events), if the Secretary of the Interior deems it necessary and appropriate. The Secretary of Transportation shall use available funds to help facilitate the presentation of the race, consistent with applicable law and as deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Transportation, and, working with and through the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, take steps to ensure that unmanned aircraft systems and other means of aerial photography may be utilized by appropriately permitted individuals to enhance the public’s enjoyment of the race and to celebrate the beauty of the Nation’s capital without compromising nearby Government facilities. The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Mayor of Washington, D.C., as needed, shall ensure that any roads, trails, or bridges to be used as part of the race course are properly maintained and capable of being used in such a manner.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of the Interior.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 30, 2026.
https://www.indycar.com/news/2026/01/01-30-freedom250gp
INDYCAR To Deliver First Motor Race in History on the National Mall
An executive order signed today by President Donald J. Trump directed the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday to designate a race route through Washington, D.C. and the National Mall for the purposes of conducting an NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on Aug. 21-23, 2026. The event will recognize the historic milestone of America’s independence in addition to celebrating the unparalleled tradition and legacy of America’s motorsports industry.
“INDYCAR racing is a source of pride and entertainment for our Nation, which is why I am pleased to announce the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.” said President Trump via the executive order. “This race, the first motor race ever to be held in our Nation’s capital near the National Mall, will showcase the majesty of our great city as drivers navigate a track around our iconic national monuments in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.”
The full executive order can be viewed here: Executive Orders – The White House.
The event will be administered by INDYCAR in coordination with the taskforce, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor.
“For over one hundred years, American INDYCAR racing has set the pace for motorsports,” President Trump said. “With speeds topping over 200 miles per hour, the cars and drivers inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport.”
For more than a century, INDYCAR has hosted the iconic Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on the Sunday before Memorial Day, annually the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event. “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” serves as a singular and powerful tribute to the United States Armed Forces, with a crowd of more than 350,000 people gathering to show respect and gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our military heroes. Legends of INDYCAR span multiple generations from racing greats like Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt to the stars of today like four-time series champion Alex Palou and two-time Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden.
“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 Roger Penske. “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.”
“Freedom doesn’t ring, it revs! INDYCAR is about competition and pushing limits — the same things that have always defined America,” said United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. “There’s no better place to celebrate our 250th anniversary than bringing that energy to the nation’s capital and showcasing Washington, D.C. to the world.”
"The Department of the Interior is proud to help bring the historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix to Washington, D.C. to showcase our treasured public spaces through a monumental event that captures the America spirit in the heart of our nation's capital," said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "Like the sport of racing itself, this administration, under President Donald J. Trump, is moving at record speed to make life better for all Americans and ensure that the United States marks its 250th birthday with the celebration that it deserves. Start your engines, America!"
“Soon-to-be the home of every major sports franchise, Washington, D.C. is the undisputed Sports Capital,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “But we don’t stop there and work to attract major events. That’s why I am thrilled to welcome the Freedom 250 to the Nation’s Capital this August. The race weekend will rev up the economic engine of D.C. by filling our hotels and restaurants and by showing visitors, residents and the sports world that there’s no better city, people and backdrop for major sports events. I invite all sports fans to come enjoy the Freedom 250 and all that Washington, D.C. has to offer.”
“There’s no better place to celebrate America’s independence than in our nation’s capital, and no better way to showcase that spirit than through INDYCAR – a sport built on speed, innovation and competition,” said Eric Shanks, CEO & executive producer, FOX Sports. “Bringing this race to Washington, D.C. during America’s 250th birthday is a powerful way to honor our past while celebrating what’s ahead, and all of us at FOX Sports couldn’t be more proud to showcase this event to the country.”
The street circuit event will be free to the general public and include vantage points of several majestic symbols of national pride and unity. Like all NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, it will be televised to a live network audience via FOX Sports. More details about the course and the event will be shared during a kickoff gathering in the coming weeks.
Fans can click here to receive all updates on the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.
An executive order signed today by President Donald J. Trump directed the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday to designate a race route through Washington, D.C. and the National Mall for the purposes of conducting an NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on Aug. 21-23, 2026. The event will recognize the historic milestone of America’s independence in addition to celebrating the unparalleled tradition and legacy of America’s motorsports industry.
“INDYCAR racing is a source of pride and entertainment for our Nation, which is why I am pleased to announce the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.” said President Trump via the executive order. “This race, the first motor race ever to be held in our Nation’s capital near the National Mall, will showcase the majesty of our great city as drivers navigate a track around our iconic national monuments in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.”
The full executive order can be viewed here: Executive Orders – The White House.
The event will be administered by INDYCAR in coordination with the taskforce, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor.
“For over one hundred years, American INDYCAR racing has set the pace for motorsports,” President Trump said. “With speeds topping over 200 miles per hour, the cars and drivers inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport.”
For more than a century, INDYCAR has hosted the iconic Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on the Sunday before Memorial Day, annually the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event. “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” serves as a singular and powerful tribute to the United States Armed Forces, with a crowd of more than 350,000 people gathering to show respect and gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our military heroes. Legends of INDYCAR span multiple generations from racing greats like Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt to the stars of today like four-time series champion Alex Palou and two-time Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden.
“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 Roger Penske. “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.”
“Freedom doesn’t ring, it revs! INDYCAR is about competition and pushing limits — the same things that have always defined America,” said United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. “There’s no better place to celebrate our 250th anniversary than bringing that energy to the nation’s capital and showcasing Washington, D.C. to the world.”
"The Department of the Interior is proud to help bring the historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix to Washington, D.C. to showcase our treasured public spaces through a monumental event that captures the America spirit in the heart of our nation's capital," said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "Like the sport of racing itself, this administration, under President Donald J. Trump, is moving at record speed to make life better for all Americans and ensure that the United States marks its 250th birthday with the celebration that it deserves. Start your engines, America!"
“Soon-to-be the home of every major sports franchise, Washington, D.C. is the undisputed Sports Capital,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “But we don’t stop there and work to attract major events. That’s why I am thrilled to welcome the Freedom 250 to the Nation’s Capital this August. The race weekend will rev up the economic engine of D.C. by filling our hotels and restaurants and by showing visitors, residents and the sports world that there’s no better city, people and backdrop for major sports events. I invite all sports fans to come enjoy the Freedom 250 and all that Washington, D.C. has to offer.”
“There’s no better place to celebrate America’s independence than in our nation’s capital, and no better way to showcase that spirit than through INDYCAR – a sport built on speed, innovation and competition,” said Eric Shanks, CEO & executive producer, FOX Sports. “Bringing this race to Washington, D.C. during America’s 250th birthday is a powerful way to honor our past while celebrating what’s ahead, and all of us at FOX Sports couldn’t be more proud to showcase this event to the country.”
The street circuit event will be free to the general public and include vantage points of several majestic symbols of national pride and unity. Like all NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, it will be televised to a live network audience via FOX Sports. More details about the course and the event will be shared during a kickoff gathering in the coming weeks.
Fans can click here to receive all updates on the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.
CELEBRATING AMERICAN GREATNESS
Executive OrdersJanuary 30, 2026
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose and Policy. For over 100 years, American INDYCAR racing has set the pace for motor sports. With speeds topping over 200 miles per hour, the cars and drivers inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport. It has given us racing legends such as A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti, and continues to thrill every Memorial Day weekend when people travel from across the globe to the Indianapolis 500, the largest single-day sporting event in the world.
INDYCAR racing is a source of pride and entertainment for our Nation, which is why I am pleased to announce the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. This race, the first motor race ever to be held in our Nation’s capital near the National Mall, will showcase the majesty of our great city as drivers navigate a track around our iconic national monuments in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
Sec. 2. Designating the Race Route. Within 14 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation shall designate a route through Washington, D.C., that is suitable for conducting an INDYCAR street race and that will showcase the majesty of our capital city in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
Sec. 3. Permits and Approvals. The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation shall take steps to ensure that all permits, approvals, and other authorizations as are necessary to plan, prepare for, and conduct the Freedom 250 Grand Prix are issued and granted as expeditiously as possible. Such steps may include the Secretary of the Interior considering the Freedom 250 Grand Prix to be a “special event” under 36 C.F.R. 7.96(g), as amended by 90 Fed. Reg. 25498 (temporary rule re: National Capital Region; America250 Events), if the Secretary of the Interior deems it necessary and appropriate. The Secretary of Transportation shall use available funds to help facilitate the presentation of the race, consistent with applicable law and as deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Transportation, and, working with and through the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, take steps to ensure that unmanned aircraft systems and other means of aerial photography may be utilized by appropriately permitted individuals to enhance the public’s enjoyment of the race and to celebrate the beauty of the Nation’s capital without compromising nearby Government facilities. The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Mayor of Washington, D.C., as needed, shall ensure that any roads, trails, or bridges to be used as part of the race course are properly maintained and capable of being used in such a manner.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of the Interior.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 30, 2026.
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2015
If they actually do this shitshow, I will be there. It still has a lot of hurdles to get over.
The mayor's on the press release. I know she's doing whatever brings in that cash money, but not standing in the way makes things more likely.
The mayor's on the press release. I know she's doing whatever brings in that cash money, but not standing in the way makes things more likely.
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- Joined
- Feb 23, 2022
The Redditors are still seething about it, acting like this is a "propaganda event" for the orange man and that Penske is in bed with him instead of it just being part of the normal country anniversary celebrations. Normal presidential tasks = propaganda apparently.