FIA Hails Success of IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington D.C. as US Motorsport Expands Globally

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has officially praised the staging of the NTT IndyCar Series Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C.

Held as part of nationwide celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States, the street race brought elite motor sport to the heart of the nation’s capital, with Florida-born driver Kyle Kirkwood claiming a dominant victory before a packed crowd of thousands surrounding the temporary circuit.

The  event arrives amid an era of unprecedented financial and audience momentum for motor sport across the United States. Recent commercial indicators highlight that the economic impact of the U.S. motor sport industry topped $69.2 billion in 2025, supporting more than 318,000 jobs, while Formula 1 fan engagement has scaled to a record 76.3 million nationwide.

Operating alongside its esteemed Member Club, the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States, the global governing body continues to reinforce international regulatory and safety standards across North America, which is scheduled to host five major international races across three distinct championships.

Lauding the  international collaboration and rapid operational delivery required to execute the landmark sporting event, FIA president, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. has been an extraordinary celebration of American motor sport, and I congratulate President Donald J. Trump, Vice President JD Vance, the Administration, INDYCAR, ACCUS and everyone who worked to bring this vision to life.”

Highlighting the executive leadership behind the commercial execution, Sulayem, added: “In particular, I commend Roger Penske for his unwavering determination in making this race a reality.”

“Not only has he and Freedom 250 Grand Prix chairman Bud Denker secured bipartisan support for this historic occasion, but he and his team have also succeeded in delivering this outstanding event at an extraordinary pace.

” There has never been a more exciting time for motor sport in the United States.

“The passion of American fans is clear to see, the automotive and motor sport industries here are among the strongest in the world, and the country is playing an increasingly important role across our sport,” Sulayen noted.

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