When IndyCar drivers take the green flag for a first-ever road course race around the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Gov. Mike Braun and other Indiana economic development officials will be entertaining guests in a $200,000 hospitality suite.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is a two-day event celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary. President Donald Trump first announced the race with an executive order in January.
Race weekend will kick off Aug. 22 with a competition between former NASCAR Cup and Indy 500 champions. Then, for the main event on Aug. 23, top-ranking NTT IndyCar drivers will zoom around the track.
Drivers will race on a roughly 1.7-mile street circuit that includes seven turns and main stretches on Pennsylvania and Independence avenues, along a backdrop of national monuments and museums.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has entered into a contract for a suite with the D.C. Grand Prix, at a maximum cost of $250,000.
The Monument Suite covers both racing days, and comes with 30 tickets and all-inclusive food and beverages. The cost is set at $200,000 for the suite but the IEDC can “purchase up to 10 additional tickets for $5,000 per ticket, for a maximum of 40 in the Monument Suite, subject to availability and payable at time of purchase.”
The state Office of Commerce said in a statement that “Indiana’s participation in the Freedom 250 Grand Prix aligns with our role as the nation’s leader in motorsports, automotive innovation and advanced manufacturing. As the home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Team Penske and a globally recognized racing industry, it is important that Indiana is represented at an event of this significance.
“Beyond supporting an event that highlights one of Indiana’s signature industries, the state is using this opportunity to convene business leaders, industry partners and stakeholders to strengthen relationships, discuss future collaborations and advance economic development opportunities that benefit Hoosiers. This is about showcasing Indiana’s strengths while creating meaningful opportunities to support continued investment, innovation and job growth.”
The auto racing industry in Indiana generates about $2.75 billion annually and supports more than 11,000 full-time jobs in advanced manufacturing, engineering, research and development, according to Inside Indiana Business. Over 500 motorsports companies operate in the state, and most of the IndyCar teams are headquartered in Indianapolis.
Earlier this week, motorsports officials and drivers Álex Palou, Felix Rosenqvist and David Malukas stood beside the president as he promoted the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. They were joined by Roger Penske, owner of the IndyCar race series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and others tied to sports and auto companies.
The Indiana Capital Chronicle, where this story first published, is a nonprofit news site covering state government in Indiana.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana purchases pricey hospitality suite for historic DC race
Reporting by Niki Kelly, Indiana Capital Chronicle / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Niki Kelly, Indiana Capital Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
