INDYCAR Announces Historic, Multiyear Commitment from Chevrolet, Honda

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Editor’s note: Huge news from IndyCar, Chevy, and Honda

 Manufacturer Charters To Accompany Boosted Investment Across NTT INDYCAR SERIES

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026) – INDYCAR today announced a multiyear commitment from Chevrolet and Honda to continue as official Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Each OEM agreement will commence in 2027 and run for multiple years, reflecting the upward trajectory of the sport and new investments in its growth.The new commitment from Chevrolet and Honda represents a significant financial investment in North America’s premier open-wheel series. It is also an endorsement of the momentum and continued growth of the series.
Both manufacturers will also be heavily involved in the development of the engine and competition rules to be implemented with the new NTT INDYCAR SERIES car, which is expected to begin competition in 2028.

“This is a monumental day for INDYCAR, fueled by a massive and historic commitment from two of our best and most trusted partners,” INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said.
“Chevrolet and Honda have worked tirelessly with us over the last 12 months to get to this point, and both have made it very clear that they are fully committed to this sport and invested in continuing the positive momentum the series generated in 2025.”
“Chevrolet has enjoyed a long, successful relationship with INDYCAR as an engine manufacturer, and this extension paves the way for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to continue to grow and for us to further maximize technology transfer from race to road,” General Motors President Mark Reuss said.
“The addition of a charter allows Chevrolet to join with other stakeholders to continue to make the series even stronger. INDYCAR produces consistently exciting racing on road and street courses as well as ovals, and we look forward to building on our INDYCAR legacy and put on a great show for our loyal Chevrolet fans.”

“To our esteemed Honda fans, customers and associates, we are thrilled to announce our ongoing participation in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” Honda Racing Corporation USA President David Salters said.
“With a deep respect for the history and competitive spirit of INDYCAR racing, we are proud to continue our involvement after more than 30 years. This long-standing commitment strengthens our ability to allow us to further develop our people and technology at the pinnacle of open-wheel racing in North America.

“The partnership between INDYCAR and FOX continues to grow, bringing outstanding race coverage and elevating the experience for fans everywhere. The future of INDYCAR looks incredibly bright, and we at Honda are honored to play a critical role in its continued success.”

This multiyear announcement extends Chevrolet’s current participation in the INDYCAR SERIES. Chevrolet is a nine-time champion since its return to the sport 14 seasons ago in 2012. Including the 1988-93 and 2002 titles, Chevrolet has won 16 total INDYCAR SERIES manufacturer championships.
Honda began INDYCAR SERIES competition in 1994 and has been a continuous and key fixture on INDYCAR grids as an engine supplier for over 30 years – including six seasons as the sole engine supplier. The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season marked its 11th manufacturers’ title in multiple manufacturer competition and the fifth in the last eight years.
In addition to commitments made in engine development, engine supply and promotion of the series, each manufacturer will be entitled to own a charter to be utilized beginning with the 2028 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
“As charter entrants in 2028, Chevrolet and Honda now have a new and exciting opportunity to build on their incredible legacies across INDYCAR SERIES racing, while continuing their strong relationships with our current roster of teams and helping deliver an innovative and industry-leading new car in 2028,” Boles said.
The INDYCAR charter system was originally announced in September 2024. Charters were extended to teams based on full-time entries from the 2022-23 seasons, with a maximum of three awarded per team.
NTT INDYCAR SERIES teams with three charters are not eligible to utilize a fourth charter via an OEM.
Complete details of the powertrain parameters to be utilized with the new 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine with hybrid technology and introduced with the 2028 NTT INDYCAR SERIES car will be announced at a later date.
The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season begins Sunday, March 1 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Coverage of the race begins at noon ET on FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One and the FOX Sports app. Audio coverage will be available via the INDYCAR Radio Network on SiriusXM Channel 218 and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.

Indianapolis 500 Veteran Krueger Dies at 74

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From IMS:

  INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026) – Phil Krueger, a veteran of two Indianapolis 500 starts, died Feb. 9 in Indianapolis. He was 74.
Krueger, a native of Milwaukee, competed in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in 1986 and 1988. His best finish was eighth in 1988, completing 196 laps in the No. 97 CNC Systems Sales March-Cosworth fielded by R. Kent Baker Racing. He also qualified a “500” career-best 15th that year.
The performance in 1988 also earned talented mechanic and fabricator Krueger the Clint Brawner Mechanical Excellence Award for his work tuning the 2-year-old car into a solid qualifying spot and top-10 finish and guiding an all-new crew for the team.
Krueger was a regular competitor in May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway throughout the 1980s, turning laps every year from 1981-89 with small, low-budget teams with older equipment.
He failed to qualify from 1983-85 and in 1989, and he didn’t attempt to qualify in his first attempt at the race in 1981 or in 1982 and 1987 due to crashes in practice
.His Month of May in 1987 symbolized his hard luck and perseverance at the Speedway. Krueger started the month as the chief mechanic for the Raynor Motorsports entry for Dennis Firestone. Krueger climbed into the team’s backup car as a driver after Firestone crashed and suffered a broken foot in the team’s primary car.
Krueger clipped the wall between Turns 1 and 2 in practice, damaging the rear suspension. He led repairs to the car and attempted to qualify on Bump Day. His opening lap of 203.920 mph was on pace to make the field, but he crashed in Turn 1 on his second lap and didn’t qualify. Still, Krueger earned the Jigger Award that year for his determination amid hard luck during May.
A model of perseverance and courage, Krueger suffered multiple fractures in the No. 89 Joe Hunt Magneto Eagle-Chevrolet – a 7-year-old car that he rebuilt during the previous offseason – in the 1981 crash at Indy and was seriously injured in crashes during CART races in 1984 and 1989 at Michigan Speedway but returned to race each time.
That determination also was displayed by Krueger as he climbed to the elite level of North American open-wheel racing. He started his career in endurance karts in his teens. In 1977, with a $200 budget in his pocket, he began competing in the USAC Mini-Indy Series.
Krueger then competed in Super Vee and Formula Ford while also learning how to build and fabricate Indy cars when not racing. His driving and mechanical skill helped him climb to CART in 1981, and he made 23 career INDYCAR SERIES starts between 1981-91. His best finish was fifth in the 1988 Michigan 500 among his seven career top-12 finishes.
After his driving career, Krueger worked as an engine builder, mechanic and crew chief. He also was a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic whose passion for aviation included maintaining his cherished 1941 Luscombe and building a World War I-S.E.5a biplane from Royal Aircraft blueprints.Krueger also volunteered for many military causes, including working with the USO at Camp Atterbury in Indiana. 

Sebring Test and Other Notes

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Photo: Mick Schumacher testing at Sebring. All photos by Chris Jones, Penske Entertainment

Some personal news:

Winter headquarters is no more, and I will be staying in Indianapolis most of the year from now on. While I enjoyed my winters in Florida, the cost of living there got to be hard on the budget.

The two day IndyCar test at Sebring International Raceway The previous two days didn’t tell us a lot about what to expect for the season, but it was fun seeing cars on track. Thanks to my friends who sent photos and videos of a session I would have attended.

Start Getting Used to It

I am happy for the visuals of Will Power5 in the 26 and David Malukas in the 12. I bet I will still mix them up at St. Pete.

Here is Will Power in his new home:

The car has more yellow than it idi in 2025 when Colton Herta drove it, so that helps me remember there is a new driver in the cockpit.

David Malukas is now Power’s former ride:

The predominant red and the yellow band across the top of the aeroscreen says, “New driver.”

For the record, Alex Palou led session 1 Monday morning. Marcus Armstrong led sessions 2 and the first group on Tuesday morning. Kyle Kirkwood led the final session Tuesday afternoon.

All teams had the opportunity to work with the 2026 tire compound. Marcus Armstrong didn’t see a lot of difference from last season’s tire.

Is He or Isn’t He?

Romain Grosjean, long believed to be the mysterious TBA, drove car 19 for Dale Coyne Racing during the test. We are still waiting for a formal announcement that Grosjean will drive the number 19 entry for the season. I guess we will know February 27.

St. Pete Homecomings

The support races at the season opener in St. Pete will likely have more people paying attention to them this year.

Last week four time IndyCar champion and three time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Fr5anchitti announced that he will drive in the NASCAR truck race Saturday afternoon..

This morning, another four time IndyCar champion, Sebastien Bourdais, was announced as a driver in the MX-5 cup events.

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a great event, and adding these former IndyCar stars to the support races takes the program up several notches.

I will be back in a couple of days with The Pit Window’s highly anticipated (dreaded?) season preview.

Five Central Indiana Artists Selected to Welcome Race Fans in May

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From IMS::


INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026) – The five artists selected to create the 2026 Welcome Race Fans artworks, a culmination of the Hoosier hospitality that welcomes visitors to Indianapolis throughout the Month of May, were announced Feb. 4 by Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Arts Council.
Selected from a record-breaking pool of 120 applicants, the five artists who will create this year’s welcoming artwork are Kirsten Anderson, Jonathan E. Carr, Kylene Dolen, Kenyon Mason and Philip Ramilo.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, Welcome Race Fans exemplifies what May means to Indianapolis, both on and off track. Each year, Central Indiana artists are challenged to bring to life what “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” means to the Racing Capital of the World.
While some artists work in rich color palettes and others use computer coding as their medium, all Welcome Race Fans artists have drawn on personal connections to share uniquely meaningful stories about Indianapolis and its culture.
“Since the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2016, Welcome Race Fans art has been one of the first things thousands of visitors see when they come to the city of Indianapolis and IMS for the Month of May,” INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles said.
“As we showcase the more than 80 artists who have contributed to the program over the last decade and welcome five new artists in 2026, we’re reminded of the many reasons the Month of May is so special to so many.”
This year’s artists will create a piece of original artwork, to be placed throughout the city, using their unique processes and styles to showcase the intersection of art and motorsports. Both two- and three-dimensional pieces of art – like sculptures, carvings and papercraft – were considered and may be created for the program.
Kirsten Anderson is a passionate stained-glass artist who uses the copper foil method to take any picture and transform it into a unique, handcrafted glass design. She strives to select the perfect glass for every artwork, considering color, texture and pattern to ensure each piece tells a beautiful story that resonates, comforts and inspires.
Jonathan E. Carr is a digital illustrator with a career rooted in the expansive character of natural landscapes. Through a deeply immersive creative process, he is guided by principles of balance, beauty and intention to capture the authentic references that fuel his work and capture the dynamic energy of sport and auto racing.
Kylene Dolen is an acrylic painter whose pop-art style layers images and bold color schemes to curate vibrant art collages. Drawing inspiration from nostalgic memories and everyday life, she hand-draws on canvas before layering the art with acrylic paints and finishing them with a crisp black outline.
Kenyon Mason is a 2D mixed media artist inspired by graffiti, portraiture and bold use of color. He combines both dry and wet mediums and experiments with sustainable materials to create expressive, dynamic portraits reflecting the raw energy of contemporary street-style art and his refined traditional skills.P
hilip Ramilo is a mixed media artist whose work is influenced by his life experiences and cultural heritage. Through a blend of traditional and contemporary techniques, his art tells compelling stories that explore themes of identity, memory and transformation.
The five Welcome Race Fans artworks will be unveiled May 1.To explore the full list of Indy 500 community initiatives and programs, visit IMS.com/Community.
To see an up-to-date calendar of IMS events, click here. 

Commemorative Milk Bottles, Cartons Return for 2026 Indy 500

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 INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026) – Indianapolis Motor Speedway, American Dairy Association Indiana and the Prairie Farms Family of Companies once again are collaborating to bring Indianapolis 500-branded single-serve milk bottles and cartons to fans across 20 states
.More than 25,000 retailers across North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama will be stocked with single-serve milk bottles celebrating five winners of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
The commemorative bottles will be available in both the Prairie Farms and Hiland brands in their respective markets. Bottle styles may vary by region
.“Much like racing, dairy farming is built on early mornings, precision and resilience – values rooted in a shared pursuit of excellence that make the Indianapolis 500 and its iconic milk celebration a natural fit,” said Jenni Browning, CEO of the American Dairy Association Indiana, which represents Indiana dairy farmers.
Each milk type will feature a different Indy 500 winner, allowing fans to collect them all. Fans who collected bottles last year will notice all-new designs and featured drivers:2% reduced-fat milk features back-to-back winner Josef Newgarden (2023, 2024)
Whole vitamin D milk features defending winner Alex Palou (2025)
Premium chocolate milk features 2016 Indy winner Alexander Rossi1% low fat chocolate milk features 2008 Indy winner Scott Dixon
Premium strawberry milk features four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves (2001, 2002, 2009, 2021)
These single-serve bottles will be in retail locations beginning March 1.In addition to the collectable single-serve bottles, approximately 200 million half-pint cartons decorated with a graphic in celebration of Winners Drink Milk are being distributed to schools throughout the same states now.
“The Prairie Farms Family of Companies is proud to partner with IMS and ADAI again this year,” said Matt McClelland, CEO and executive vice president of Prairie Farms Dairy.
“Not only does this partnership allow us to celebrate this iconic tradition in retail stores and schools, but it also gives us the opportunity to recognize the commitment and dedication of our farmer owners.”
“Fans loved the commemorative milk bottles last year, and many attempted to collect all five,” said INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles.
“These milk bottles and cartons allow our fans to be a part of the Race Day excitement and celebrate like an Indy 500 winner – with a cold drink of milk.”
An ice-cold bottle of milk after 500 miles of racing is one of the most iconic celebrations in all sports. The tradition of drinking milk after winning the Indianapolis 500 dates back to 1936, when Louis Meyer, an avid drinker of buttermilk, requested a bottle after winning his third Indy 500. As the story goes, a dairy industry executive saw the newsreel footage of the iconic moment and requested milk be made available to the winner of each Indianapolis 500 thereafter.
These days, buttermilk is no longer offered as an option. All 33 drivers entered in the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge submit their milk preference to the Dairy Association in advance. They can choose between whole milk, 2% reduced fat milk or skim milk. Whole milk is the most popular choice, but there are some drivers that still request buttermilk in honor of Meyer.
The 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 24. Tickets are on sale at IMS.com or by calling or visiting the IMS Ticket Office. 

INDYCAR, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Announce Partnership To Fuel Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.

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From IndyCar:

  INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026) – INDYCAR and Monumental Sports & Entertainment have teamed up to promote this summer’s historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. The event will be the first-ever motor race on the National Mall and city streets, taking place Aug. 21-23 in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment will serve as the Official Marketing, Sponsorships and Corporate Hospitality sales agency for the race weekend. Home to several professional teams throughout the DMV, including the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards and Washington Mystics, Monumental Sports & Entertainment is a leading sports, media and venue company that hosts hundreds of high-profile events each year.
“This is an incredible partnership built to make history on the streets of our nation’s capital,” said Bud Denker, chairman of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. and president of Penske Corporation. “Like our organization, Monumental Sports & Entertainment is a highly driven and mission-oriented team, excited and ready to provide an exceptional showcase of speed, innovation and patriotic pride as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES brings the Fastest Racing on Earth to the National Mall.”
“This marquee event is more than a race – it is a celebration of our nation’s history that puts fans at the center and showcases the nation’s capital as a world-class host of unforgettable sporting experiences,” said Jim Van Stone, president of business operations and chief commercial officer at Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “We’re thrilled to partner with INDYCAR to bring one of the most iconic motorsports experiences to the heart of Washington, D.C., and to power the sales and marketing efforts that will connect fans to this landmark event.”
Just last week, President Donald J. Trump established the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. through an Executive Order directing the U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Transportation to designate a racecourse through Washington D.C. and including the National Mall. The event will be free to the general public and will provide scenic vantage points of several iconic symbols of national unity and patriotism.
INDYCAR and Monumental Sports & Entertainment will work closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior and Washington, D.C.’s Executive Office of the Mayor.
Like the entire NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule, the race 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 be the first to receive all updates by visiting http://freedom250gp.com/ and signing up for the email distribution list.
About the NTT INDYCAR SERIES
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series featuring a talented field of star drivers competing on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDYCAR, INDY NXT by Firestone, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions are owned by Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader. For more information on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, please visit www.indycar.com.
About Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Monumental Sports & Entertainment is one of America’s leading integrated sports and entertainment companies and is ranked as one of the most valuable globally. Our people, players, teams and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We invest and innovate to consistently raise the game so we can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite our community, our fans and our people. To learn more, please visit monumentalsports.com. 

Freedom 250: A Slippery Slope

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On Friday a presidential exe3cutive order authorized an IndyCar street race in Washington, D.C., for the weekend of Augst 21-23. The race, named the Freedom 250, will add an 18th race to the 2026 IndyCar calendar. The announcement has created a divide among IndyCar fans, and it has raised many questions.

First, I want to look at three positive aspects of a race in D.C. :

The schedule is now 18 races, closer to the 20 race calendar I have always thought ideal. It does not eliminate an oval race, which would have killed my support for the race completely.

It satisfies the need for an East coast race.

IndyCar should gain massive exposure from the event.

I have always felt that 17 races was too short a schedule. A 20 race schedule means a longer exposure and a possibly shorter off season. One can watch past races for only so long.

Since the last race at Watkins Glen in2019, IndyCar has not raced on the East coast. Richmond was pulled from the schedule because of Covid in 2020, and it never returned to the calendar. I think the series should have at least three races in the east.

The potential television audience could make this race one of the top three audiences of the season. The pr4omotion from FOX will be heavy.

As great as the positives are, many questions remain:

Preparation time- track layout (TBA); logistics; security.

Funding

Focusing on the race.

First time street race blues.

My understanding is that talks were held last August regarding an event in the nation’s capital for the 250th birthday of the United States. I do not, know how far the talks progressed, but apparently, they progressed enough that the race made the calendar. Still, putting together a street race in 6 months seems like a very tall task, especially in a city like Washington. Other street races have had years in the planning before being brought to life.

We still have no idea what the track layout is. I think the teams would want to know this to get a baseline setup. I wonder if there will be time to scan the track for a sim.

Security is another concern. I expect it to be extremely high.

I have a friend who works in DC who told this event will be a logistical nightmare.

Who is paying for this race? Team and supplier budgets have been set for a 17 race season. Sponsors have paid for 17 races, although I think teams will not have a problem getting sponsorship for this event.

Extra tires need to be covered, as well as lodging for team members and drivers (I don’t think their motorhomes will be allowed to park at the White House.)

Will IndyCar reset the engine limitations? A fifth engine? More miles?

If this is to be an IndyCar race weekend, I want the focus to be on the race, including the opening ceremonies. I don’t want any delays because a certain government official decides to delay his appearance, nor would I want that certain official to draw attention to himself and away from the event

.Inaugural street races are prone to last minute glitches. The first year at Nashville’ street course greeted fans with unfinished bleachers and a course that needed some last minute corrections. Is there any incentive at a one off event to improve any issues?

While I may not care for the principals involved in running this event, I am happy to see an extra race on the calendar in a region sorely in need of IndyCar events. It’s a risk worth taking for a series that has suffered many setbacks with hyped events in the past.

Presidential Announcement of Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. 

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I have some thoughts to post later this weekend.

From IMS:

 INDYCAR To Deliver First Motor Race in History on the National Mall

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Jan. 30, 2026) – 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 August 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 continued.
“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.
About the NTT INDYCAR SERIES The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series, featuring a talented field of star drivers competing on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDYCAR, INDY NXT by Firestone, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions are owned by Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader. For more information on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, please visit www.indycar.com. 

Content Days Begin with Incomplete Grid, Scheduling Questions

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IndyCar Content days begin at noon today with driver interviews and continue through tomorrow afternoon. Unfortunately, the complete full time field will, not be present. Dale Coyne has not yet named the driver of his second car, and last night we learned that Prema drivers Robert Shwartzman and Callum Ilott will miss the sessions as well.

Prema is undergoing an ownership change and will likely not participate in the season opener at St. Pete. This morning Prema’s sporting director, Ryan Briscoe, was announced as a driver coach for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

Prema struggled last year, and with no shot at Leaders’ Circle money, it was going to be difficult to continue long term without major sponsorship. One of my concerns about the charter system is being realized- that the system inhibits growth of the series, making it a challenge for a new team to enter the series.

DC Race?

Talk of a possible race in Washington, DC, in August was raised last week. I have several issues with this particular event, although I am not opposed toa race in the Nation’s capital in general,

Adding a race min one of IndyCar’s busiest months would be difficult. There are already four races on three weekends in August. Taking away one of the Milwaukee races doesn’t help since the double header is just one weekend.

Sponsors have paid and budgeted for 17 races. Who pays for the 18th race?

Engine and tire limits also have leases based on 17 races. Do teams get a fifth engine?

If the series wants a race in Washington, iun a region that has been ignored by the series for way too long, fine. But to put an event together in less than six months’ time is probably not a smart decision.

Wait until next year and do it the right way. And don’t replace an oval race for it.

FOX New Commercials

Last year FOX began promoting the upcoming season with ads during the NFL playoffs. The ads featured Josef Ne3wgarden, Pato O’Ward, and Alex Palou. They were witty, fast paced, and clever.

Last week FOX rolled out new ads for the 2026 season featuring the same three drivers. The first two, with Newgarden and O’Ward, lacked a lot of the zip and pizzazz of the initial promos. In my opinion, they ranged from dark to silly.

I hope the next two ads are better, but I’m not optimistic. Maybe so0meday FOX will learn that there are more than three drivers in the series who merit attention.

I will be posting off and on during the next two days.