The Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington D.C. appeared at first to be a one-time event to celebrate America's 250th birthday. Yet, a government official hopes it returns, and he has also called on NASCAR to join in the fun.
Videos by FanBuzz
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins proclaimed his love of NASCAR during an interview at the NTT IndyCar Series event. He used this love as a basis for telling the series to call Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about a possible race around the National Mall.
"I'm an old Southern boy," Collins told Fox News. "I'm a NASCAR boy. It's time to bring NASCAR to D.C."
The Fox News correspondent immediately responded by asking if the NASCAR cars could handle the tight turns of the 1.7-mile street course. Collins then made it clear that "NASCAR can handle anything."
"We need NASCAR in D.C. as well," he said. "Along with IndyCar, two American sports. Put 'em right here."
Could NASCAR be next to take on the streets of DC?
With the historic Freedom 250 INDYCAR Grand Prix now in the books, VA Secretary @RepDougCollins is calling on NASCAR to make their move to host their own race in the nation's capital.
"Call Sean Duffy... It's time to bring… pic.twitter.com/8IsIbxvPlN
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 23, 2026
The first-ever street race in Washington D.C. featured IndyCar driver competing over 147 laps. They raced around the National Mall while surpassing 170 mph on such roads as Pennsylvania Ave., 9th St., 3rd St., 7th St., and Independence Ave.
These drivers raced past such landmarks as the National Archives, National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Kyle Kirkwood, the winner of the race, took the checkered flag approximately 3,000 feet from the steps of the United States Capitol.
To Collins' point, NASCAR teams have experience racing on city streets. The O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and Cup Series teams did so three times in the heart of Chicago. They dealt with more issues due to weather than due to the cars navigating the tight turns.
Most recently, all three series competed on a purpose-built track in Southern California. They raced on Naval Base Coronado, marking the first time in series history that NASCAR had raced on an active military base.
NASCAR remains committed to holding more streets races in future seasons, and Collins certainly hopes that this includes a trip to Washington D.C.
