Former President Donald Trump waved a green flag to launch the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a six‑hour IndyCar race that swept through Washington DC’s National Mall on 23 August. The event, hosted to celebrate the US 250th birthday, gathered thousands of fans in front of the Capitol and the Washington Monument.
The race’s 250‑mile, 147‑lap course sent 25 professional drivers hurtling past the capital’s landmarks at speeds that reached up to 190 mph. Kyle Kirkwood took victory, marking his seventh IndyCar win in a field that showcased both Chevrolet and Honda‑powered chassis.
Trump and First Lady Melania began the ceremony by driving a lap around the track in the presidential limousine, known as The Beast, before the official launch. An Air Force One flyover greeted the crowd at the finish line, adding dramatic flair to the spectacle.
Organisers conducted extensive road‑closure plans, bolting down manholes and resurfacing sections of the route to accommodate the high‑speed cars and the 140,000‑person turnout, many of whom received tickets through a public lottery. In addition, the National Gallery of Art tested its collection for vibrations, though the roar of the engines drowned any potential disturbance.
The event underscored Washington’s lowest speed limit of 55 mph, a stark contrast to the race speeds, while capturing the imagination of a diverse crowd that included fans from across the country, some wearing Uncle Sam hats or Statue‑of‑Liberty costumes.
