Trump says IndyCar boss tried 211 times for DC Grand Prix, then he got it done in 15 minutes

WASHINGTON,DC: President Donald Trump, on Sunday, August 23 had a rather remarkable story to tell IndyCar drivers in Washington: IndyCar owner Roger Penske had spent about 20 years trying to bring an IndyCar race to the nation’s capital, making 211 trips to Washington in the process. 

Then, according to Trump, Penske came to see him and the long-running effort was wrapped up in about 15 minutes.

Trump claims credit for IndyCar race

Trump brought up Penske’s long pursuit while speaking about the first IndyCar race in Washington, DC and the size of the crowd it drew.

“Roger told me they’ve been trying to do it for 20 years,” Trump said.

The president said Penske had come to Washington 211 times while trying to get the race off the ground.

“And when he came to see Trump, it got done in about 15 minutes,” Trump said.

Trump then pointed to the turnout as proof that the race had become a much bigger event than expected.

“It turned out to be much bigger than we ever even thought possible,” he said.

He said so many people wanted to attend that bridges had been closed, estimating that the event could draw around 350,000 people.

Trump also had a slightly unusual request for the drivers before they took to the track.

“Have fun, I don't wanna say 'be safe' because it's sort of a negative thought. Right?” he said.

His reasoning was that drivers did not need to be thinking about danger just before competing. Instead, he wished them luck and told them to have fun.

Trump and Melania open the race

Trump and first lady Melania Trump also took part in the pre-race festivities, riding around the circuit in the presidential limousine, known as “The Beast.”

The presidential motorcade made an honorary lap before the race began, with spectators cheering and Trump waving to the crowd.

Trump then waved the green flag to officially start the Grand Prix.

First Lady Melania Trump spoke with FOX Sports and IndyCar partnering with her Fostering the Future initiative, which supports young people transitioning out of the foster care system.

Melania described the program as more than an educational effort, calling it a “generational investment in America’s talent pipeline.”