{
  "id": 2189624,
  "title": "Trump’s IndyCar race: Doing 200 in a 25 mph zone with manhole cover-displacing torque",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/trumps-indycar-race-doing-200-in-a-25-mph-zone-with-manhole-cover",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T17:53:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Associated Press",
    "slug": "associated-press",
    "url": "https://apnews.com/article/trump-indycar-washington-street-race-b09186775bf2788380c49df9a29774e8"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The White House hosted an event on July 13, 2026, to promote the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar race, with President Donald Trump organizing the event. IndyCar Series driver David Malukas drove a race car down West Executive Drive, which typically has a speed limit of 25 mph, but the open-wheel race cars could reach speeds nearly eight times that fast, up to 200 mph. During the event, Trump joked about the potential consequences of driving such fast cars in a regular zone, suggesting they could result in long jail terms. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix, scheduled for August 22-23, features high-speed vehicles that can reach street-course speeds around 200 mph and have enough torque to displace manhole covers. This event is part of Trump's series of major celebrations for America's 250th birthday. Historian Michael D. Hattem noted that Trump's events have largely focused on himself rather than the historical context of the country's founding. However, White House spokesman Davis Ingle argued that Trump's goal is to \"save our country\" and ensure a spectacular 250th birthday for America, highlighting the patriotic and renewed sense of pride throughout the country.",
  "summary": "WASHINGTON (AP) — The speed limit along Pennsylvania Avenue is 25 mph. But the open-wheel race cars…",
  "key_points": [
    "White House hosted event on July 13, 2026, for Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar race",
    "IndyCar cars could reach speeds up to 200 mph on West Executive Drive",
    "Event part of Trump's 250th birthday celebrations for America"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}