The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is commemorating a century of motorsport history and influence in the United States, culminating in the eagerly awaited Freedom 250 NTT INDYCAR SERIES race. This event not only marks 250 years of American independence but also underscores the FIA’s enduring commitment to motorsport excellence.
Safety has always been at the heart of the FIA’s mission. Every driver participating in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES this weekend will be equipped with FIA-approved safety gear, including helmets that meet stringent international standards. These standards are the result of decades of research and rigorous crash testing, ensuring the highest level of protection for drivers across various disciplines, from Formula 1 to rallying.
The FIA’s Historical Ties to American Motorsport
The FIA’s journey in the United States began in the 1930s when it officiated land speed record attempts on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. This historic connection deepened in the 1950s when the Indianapolis 500 became part of the inaugural Formula One World Championship calendar, linking one of America’s most storied races with the pinnacle of international motorsport.
Over the years, the United States Grand Prix has traversed the nation, introducing new generations to world-class competition. The invention of karting in California in August 1956 further democratized motorsport, paving the way for greater participation with karts originally built from steel tubes and lawnmower engines.
Expanding Horizons: FIA Championships in the USA
Under the leadership of FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the United States now hosts a record number of FIA world championship rounds. This includes races for the FIA Formula One World Championship, ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, and FIA World Endurance Championship. In 2026, the USA will host five FIA World Championship rounds, featuring iconic circuits like the Miami Grand Prix, the United States Grand Prix in Texas, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The Miami e-Prix is part of the 2026 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar, while the upcoming six-hour Lone Star Le Mans race is a highlight of the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship calendar. These events underscore the growing prominence of American motorsport on the global stage.
Innovation and Future Growth
In collaboration with the FIA Member Club, the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States (ACCUS), motorsport in the United States is poised for further growth. A successful candidate event earlier this year has paved the way for the return of the FIA World Rally Championship to the United States from next year. Additionally, karting will celebrate its 70th anniversary later this year, following its invention in California in August 1956.
History was made earlier this month when the FIA confirmed a new provisional World Land Speed Record for a hydrogen internal combustion-powered vehicle. The JCB Hydromax achieved a speed of 406.320 miles per hour (653.909 kilometers per hour) on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, showcasing the innovative spirit of American motorsport.
H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, expressed pride in the FIA’s role in American motorsport. He highlighted the Freedom 250 NTT INDYCAR SERIES race as a celebration of American achievement, embodying speed, ingenuity, and the freedom of the open road. The United States has played a crucial role in the history and growth of global motorsport, with a world-leading automotive industry and some of the most exciting races in the world.
This landmark event is a testament to the FIA’s enduring partnership with American motorsport, driving innovation, safety, and excitement on the global stage.
