IndyCar Driver Shuts Down Senator's Taxpayer Attack on D.C. Race

Sen. Adam Schiff's attempt to turn Washington's first-ever IndyCar race into a political attack on President Donald Trump backfired in a hurry when a veteran driver reminded the California Democrat that the historic event was privately funded.

Schiff posted video of Trump waving the green flag at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix and accused the president of spending taxpayer money on a "self-aggrandizing" spectacle meant to distract Americans from higher costs.

"While you struggle with the cost of gas, Trump offers you the spectacle of an IndyCar race hoping you will not notice," Schiff wrote, adding that "more taxpayer money" had been spent on what he called a distraction.

Rahal Fires Back

IndyCar veteran Graham Rahal, who finished 13th in the race, dismantled the senator's claim in a response on X.

"No, no, Adam. He wanted you to notice and bask in the pride of being American, watch great racing and patriotism on display," Rahal said.

Rahal also pointed out the obvious: the government did not pay for the event. "Not only that, this was privately funded, not government, although it drove thousands of folks to the DC area that have never been. That's economic impact for you," he wrote.

Penske Picked Up the Tab

As Rahal noted, Penske Corporation -- the automotive and logistics giant led by racing legend Roger Penske -- bankrolled the event. Penske President Bud Denker was asked by Washington's NBC affiliate who was paying for the multimillion-dollar Freedom 250. His answer was simple: "We are."

Denker said the only revenue raised came from sponsors and suites built along the course, and the event was never designed as a break-even venture. Security was handled through the standard local and federal channels for major Washington events.

The race was the centerpiece of America's 250th birthday celebration, run on a 1.7-mile street circuit surrounding the National Mall. Trump signed an executive order in January outlining the plan, took a lap of honor and waved the green flag to start the action, with FOX Sports announcer Leigh Diffey calling the race.

White House Hits Back

The White House did not let Schiff's attack go unanswered. Spokesman Davis Ingle called the senator's comments a disgrace.

"It's a complete disgrace that Pencil-Neck Adam Schiff is willing to trash the United States of America during its historic 250th birthday celebrations simply because he hates President Trump," Ingle said. "The great people of California deserve better."

Others piled on as well. Former federal prosecutor Sam Antar said the senator "apparently didn't bother checking who actually paid for the race before blaming Trump for 'more taxpayer money spent.'" Breitbart editor Joel Pollak added: "What kind of loser posts this? People had fun."

Kyle Kirkwood won the race, holding off a star-studded field in front of huge crowds. Rahal argued the weekend was a win for the local economy, drawing hundreds of thousands of Americans -- "blue and red," as he put it -- plus fans from around the world to the nation's capital.

What Comes Next

Schiff's misfire is a reminder that attacking patriotic, privately funded events during America's 250th anniversary is a losing strategy. The Freedom 250 delivered a full weekend of racing, tourism dollars and national pride -- paid for by Penske, not taxpayers.

Critics were quick to note the contrast: Schiff had little to say about taxpayer-funded spectacles during the previous administration. As the America250 celebrations continue, the White House is betting that moments like the Freedom 250 will keep the spotlight on American achievement rather than partisan attacks.