Why the Washington DC race had to move away from the Capitol

Implemented by a decree signed by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, the Washington DC Grand Prix has since been portrayed as a logistical nightmare, particularly because of the American administration's desire to have the race pass in front of the Capitol, the seat of the American Congress.

However, US law prohibits all advertising within the Capitol grounds, as well as on the surrounding land. Strict restrictions are also in place regarding noise and vehicle speeds on the premises, even on roads closed to the public. Several problems, therefore, for a race that will bring together 25 IndyCar covered in sponsors, on a circuit where top speeds could approach 300 km/h, and with twin-turbo V6 engines developing more than 700 horsepower.

"Because we race on Capitol Hill, you're breaking a lot of rules about branding, speed, noise levels—all things that are prohibited on Capitol Hill and require a bill from Congress."explained Bud Denker, President of Penske Corporation, and also chairman of the Washington DC Grand Prix organizing committee

Denker quickly realized that securing congressional approval was going to be difficult. Despite 81 meetings between August and January, the president of Penske Corporation failed to gather enough members of Congress to hope for a vote in favor of IndyCar. As the Trump administration's desire to hold a race on the streets of the nation's capital to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence grew stronger, plans focused on the National Mall, which the track would ultimately encircle. The Capitol Building would continue to be a backdrop, with the start/finish line directly facing it, but at a sufficient distance to ensure legal operation.

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