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Penske and IndyCar representatives preview Freedom 2 50 Grand Prix; organizers say public viewing is free
Summary
Penske president Bud Danker and driver Scott Dixon previewed the Freedom 2 50 Grand Prix on Aug. 22-23, described logistics and security requirements for a street race near the National Mall, and said organizers will not take profit and have reported massive free-ticket demand.
Penske Corporation president Bud Danker said organizers expect an unprecedented spectacle when the Freedom 2 50 Grand Prix runs near the National Mall on Aug. 22-23, and that the event will be organized by a 501(c)(3) and offered free to the public. "In 9 days, we had 288,000 ticket requests to watch this entire area to watch the race," Danker said, noting demand has outstripped the free supply.
Danker described the genesis of the race as an idea conceived less than a year ago and said he designed a course, negotiated with federal stakeholders and adjusted plans after officials asked him to move the racetrack off Capitol Hill. He said securing the route required coordination with multiple property owners and law-enforcement agencies, including the Department of the Interior, the National Gallery of Art, the Secret Service, FBI, Metropolitan Police, Capitol Police and U.S. Park Police.
Driver Scott Dixon, a six-time IndyCar champion who said he was honored to be invited, described how teams will prepare for a street course that cannot be practiced on in full: "We'll run probably as a team, you know, almost 1000 laps, virtually before we get here," Dixon said, explaining the use of circuit scans and simulation rigs to model bumps and g forces. He said the first running will be on Aug. 22, with the main race on Aug. 23.
Danker outlined operations: crews will begin building suites and infrastructure this week near 7th Street by the Ferris wheel, and some road closures are planned in August. He emphasized that the event will not be for profit and that free access aims to attract new fans and leave a lasting mark on the capital during the country's 250th anniversary celebrations.
Organizers and participants said the race presents opportunities to grow motorsports' audience and showcase American manufacturing and racing heritage. The program closed with thanks to staff and a reminder of the event dates.
Next steps: construction and setup will begin in the days noted on stage, and organizers urged attendees to follow event channels for ticket and logistics updates.
