Arrow McLaren CEO on New D.C. IndyCar Race: 'Spectacular Opportunity'

An executive order by President Donald Trump has led to the addition of the Freedom 250 to the 2026 IndyCar schedule, set to take place in Washington D.C. on August 23. This late addition presents significant logistical hurdles for teams, including Arrow McLaren, which must now reconfigure their season planning just weeks before it begins.

Despite the challenges, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown expressed excitement about racing in the nation's capital. He believes the unique location will attract many new viewers to IndyCar, potentially converting them into dedicated fans. Brown compared this effect to the surge in Formula 1 viewership following the Netflix series, highlighting the potential for growth.

The 2026 IndyCar season will now feature 18 races, including a demanding stretch of five races in four weeks during August, spanning Portland, Markham, Washington D.C., Milwaukee, and Monterey. Brown anticipates that increased revenues from the new race will offset any additional expenses, and the team is prepared for the demanding back-to-back-to-back race schedule.

Brown also voiced his desire for the D.C. race to become a permanent fixture and for IndyCar to expand its presence in the Northeast, a region with large media markets. The Freedom 250, notably free for spectators, offers a prime opportunity for fans to experience IndyCar for the first time, as current schedules lack races in that geographic area.

Driver Pato O'Ward echoed Brown's enthusiasm for expanding the schedule, even suggesting international races in Mexico, Japan, or the United Kingdom. While the Freedom 250 fits within the existing season, O'Ward supports shortening the offseason and adding more events globally. The new D.C. race is generating significant discussion and excitement within IndyCar.