WASHINGTON — First Lady Melania Trump had a message for Penske Entertainment President Bud Denker as they exited their suite at the conclusion of IndyCar’s Freedom 250 on Sunday.
“We look forward to seeing you again next year,” Trump said.
“Pressure is on,” Denker told reporters after the race.
Freedom 250 took place on Washington’s national mall and was IndyCar’s first race in the nation’s capital. Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood took home the trophy for what IndyCar President Doug Boles believes will be a “one-off” race. It’s uncertain whether IndyCar will return to Washington D.C. in 2027, but the drivers hope they can start their engines with the Capitol Building in view once again.
“We definitely hope it’s not a one-time event,” Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon said.
Dixon said he had “a lot of fun” and acknowledged the “massive” amount of traction IndyCar received from the race. Dixon finished seventh and though he admitted the Freedom 250 course was bumpy and “slightly long” (147 laps) for a street race, he appreciates the lengthy street race took place later in the season.
Will Power finished third in the Freedom 250. Kirkwood’s teammate called the track “racey.” There were 155 passes and Power led with 13. As he made his way around cars, Power noticed Trump was still attentive to the race as the laps progressed. “Means the race must be engaging,” he said. Power added the pre-race pageantry reminded him of the one during the Indianapolis 500.
Denker thought Sunday’s pageantry was better. But Denker is “never gonna say that because Doug Boles will be mad,” he said. “But it was pretty damn good.”
Power said IndyCar is in its best shape since he joined the sport in 2008. Power’s teammate, Marcus Ericsson, joined IndyCar in 2019. Ericsson, who finished fourth, called Freedom 250 the “biggest race outside the 500.”
Ericsson also praised the pre-race parade and admired seeing new fans. As for the course, Ericsson was grateful the track presented opportunities for him to overtake and jump from 21st to fourth.
IndyCar series leader Alex Palou finished 20th in Sunday’s race due to pit stop mistakes and a crash on Lap 126. The day didn’t go as expected for the Chip Ganassi Racing driver, but he still called the event “incredible.”
“Fingers crossed we can come back here in the future,” Ericsson said. “I know the talk is one and done, but if there is any chance to come back, I’d love that.”
Denker said he and Penske founder Roger Penske will discuss a possible race in Washington next year. The event cost Penske $35 million. Denker admitted financial costs would be the biggest hurdle, along with securing a similar number of sponsors. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in late January to launch Freedom 250. Getting another one, if needed, shouldn’t be an issue.
“Trump hit me 15 times today about having to have this (again),” Denker said. “His strategy: let’s do it for five years because he’s saying, ‘That guarantees you’re going to be here through my term and then two more years for whoever is in office next.’ Pretty good (strategy).”
Denker noticed “everybody had a smile on their face,” whether Democrat or Republican, and believes Freedom 250 revealed IndyCar has the power to bridge gaps in a divided nation. Denker said more than 215,000 spectators attended across the two-day race weekend.
Denker said IndyCar sold over $969,000 in merchandise on Saturday. The series sold $900,000 worth of merchandise in Arlington over the whole week, Denker reported. He credits IndyCar’s success to the power of urban markets and its ability to “draw people” and make the race day environment enjoyable.
“To see all the fans — 100,000 people on both days is absolutely incredible. There were people in rows of five when we’re going around in pace laps all the way around the track for 1.6 miles — super cool to see,” Kirkwood said.
Kirkwood’s has a “biased” view on whether he’d like to return, he said. If IndyCar opts out, he’s content with being the lone winner. But contentment will turn to dissatisfaction if Denker and IndyCar sign off on Freedom 251.
“(But) yes, let’s come back because I want to win again,” Kirkwood said.
Joshua Heron is an enterprise reporter. Follow him @HeronReports on X. Zion Brown is IndyStar’s motorsports reporter. Follow him at @z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar’s motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter. Subscribe to the YouTube channel IndyStar TV: IndyCar for a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar and expert analysis.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Will IndyCar race in Washington again? ‘Pressure is on’ from multiple interested parties
Reporting by Joshua Heron, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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By Joshua Heron, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
