Rahal to IndyCar Critics of Proposed D.C. Freedom 250 Indy Car Race: “Get a life”

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Staff report

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – January 27, 2026

Graham Rahal didn’t mince words about the idea of INDYCAR racing on the streets of Washington, D.C., as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations, calling it a “massive opportunity” for the series — and blasting fans who say they’d boycott the event.

Asked during NTT INDYCAR SERIES Content Days about the rumored D.C. race, Rahal said it would be “extremely” exciting and framed it as the kind of big-stage moment the series has long chased.

Rahal also took aim at negative social media reactions, mocking comments that a Washington race would be “the one race I’m not going to watch,” and telling critics to “get a life.”

“If you really are an IndyCar fan, this is a huge opportunity,” he said, adding that it’s a chance presented to INDYCAR not NASCAR and that it “wasn’t given to Formula One.”

Calling himself “a patriotic guy,” Rahal said he wouldn’t care “no matter who’s in the White House,” and that racing in D.C. — “particularly in the National Mall” — would be “awesome.”

He described the Mall as one of his favorite places to walk at night to “understand history, you know, good or bad.” GrahamRahal

Rahal tied the concept directly to business upside, noting the 250th anniversary is already drawing sponsor interest across the sport, and that a D.C. event could help his Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team attract additional partners.

The comments came as RACER reported that the White House and U.S. Department of Transportation have expressed interest in adding a Washington street race as an 18th event on INDYCAR’s 2026 calendar, as part of a “D.C. Grand Prix” aligned with the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.

According to RACER, the proposal has been presented by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and backed by President Donald Trump in a promotional video, with the DOT calling it an “unprecedented opportunity” to showcase the National Mall and generate tourism revenue — while noting it would likely require congressional approval.

RACER also noted INDYCAR said discussions are ongoing but described the logistics as complex, with the series already having announced a 17-race schedule and only limited open weekends in August to potentially slot in the additional event.

https://racer.com/2026/01/24/proposal-floated-for-indycar-d-c-grand-prix

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