Tell Penske: Cancel Trump's Freedom 250 Grand Prix

Donald Trump and Penske-linked INDYCAR organizers want to turn the National Mall into a racetrack — and irreplaceable pieces of American history could be damaged.

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is being sold as a patriotic celebration of America’s 250th birthday. But there is nothing patriotic about sending high-speed race cars roaring past museums, archives, monuments, public art, historic buildings, and priceless collections that belong to all of us.

The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Star-Spangled Banner, the Wright brothers’ plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, National Gallery artworks, Smithsonian collections, historic murals, and public monuments are not scenery for a Trump-branded spectacle. They must be protected, not used as a backdrop for a corporate racing event.

Penske Entertainment owns INDYCAR, and Penske leaders are key sponsors and organizers of this race. That means they have power. They can pull support. They can demand the event be canceled. And they can refuse to help turn the most sensitive parts of the National Mall into a racetrack.

Tell Penske Entertainment and INDYCAR: Cancel the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. Do not risk national treasures, museums, archives, monuments, workers, visitors, or D.C. residents for a corporate racing spectacle.

Millions of Americans enjoy auto racing events. But this race is different: a rushed vanity event that treats America’s history like a backdrop while raising serious questions about vibration, noise, crowd control, emergency access, and preservation risks.

Race cars should not roar past the National Archives, Smithsonian museums, National Gallery artworks, and public memorials just so Trump and corporate organizers can stage a flashy 250th anniversary spectacle. The National Mall belongs to the people — not to politicians, sponsors, or racing promoters looking for a dramatic backdrop.

Public pressure matters to Penske. The company relies on everyday people to keep its rental trucks, dealerships, logistics operations, and other consumer-facing businesses profitable. Those same customers have every right to demand that Penske protect public treasures instead of helping Trump turn the National Mall into a corporate spectacle.

If Penske and INDYCAR want public trust, they should prove they value America’s history more than one race.

Add your name now and demand Penske Entertainment and INDYCAR cancel the Freedom 250 Grand Prix before national treasures and public safety are put at risk.

Thanks for all that you do,
Matt from the Swarm