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FIA Hails Washington D.C. IndyCar Race Amid Surging US Interest
The FIA praises the historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington D.C., highlighting booming American motorsport engagement and economic growth.
By Hans van den Broekma - 2026-08-23T20:54:00.000Z - 2 min read
Global motor sport governing body the FIA has praised the successful staging of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington D.C. The event brought professional racing directly into the nation's capital as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Thousands of spectators lined the circuit to watch Florida-born driver Kyle Kirkwood secure victory in front of the packed crowd.
The landmark race arrived during a period of significant growth for racing across the country. Formula 1 audiences in the United States have expanded notably, reaching a record 76.3 million engaged fans nationwide. Economic data from 2025 further underlines this upward trajectory, showing that the domestic motor sport industry generated an economic impact of $69.2 billion while supporting more than 318,000 jobs.
Working alongside its official Member Club, the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States, the FIA has overseen and supported domestic motor sport for over seven decades. The United States continues to hold a prominent position across international competition and automotive innovation. The country is scheduled to host five FIA races across three different FIA championships in 2026, alongside upcoming returns for the FIA World Rally Championship and Karting Championships.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised the collaboration behind the Washington event. He extended congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, Vice President JD Vance, the administration, INDYCAR, and the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States. Ben Sulayem specifically credited Roger Penske and Freedom 250 Grand Prix chairman Bud Denker for securing bipartisan backing and delivering the high-profile fixture at an extraordinary pace.
Emphasising the broader landscape, Ben Sulayem noted that the current era represents one of the most exciting phases for racing in North America. He pointed to the intense passion of American fans and the strength of the local automotive sector as vital components of the sport's international footprint. The governing body stated its ambition to build upon this momentum by introducing further opportunities for competitors, industry partners, and audiences across the region.
The FIA's operational footprint in the United States spans sporting governance, safety enforcement, technical regulations, and the organisation of international championships. Through ongoing cooperation with the local racing community, the federation continues to share expertise and advance safety protocols across multiple disciplines as American motor sport enters a new chapter of visibility and expansion.