IndyCar's Freedom 250 Grand Prix roars through Washington D.C.
IndyCar's Freedom 250 Grand Prix in D.C. featured pole-sitter Palou, a Trump ceremonial lap, and military flyovers.
Event / Sports
America 250th Anniversary Celebration
Events and activities marking the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026, including the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar street race in Washington D.C. on August 23.
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2026-08-24 to 2026-11-08 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 24 Aug, 00:05 UTC
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What happened
Alex Palou secures pole position for Freedom 250 Grand Prix
Alex Palou earned pole position for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix with a qualifying lap averaging 107.5 miles per hour on Saturday. Palou was seeking his seventh victory of the season and was positioned to potentially secure his fourth consecutive IndyCar series title with a win. He led the IndyCar series standings with 133 points ahead of second-place Kyle Kirkwood.
President Trump takes ceremonial lap before IndyCar race
President Donald Trump rode in the presidential armored vehicle known as 'The Beast' for a ceremonial lap around the racetrack before waving the green flag to officially start the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. Trump spoke with drivers before the race, saying 'Just that everyone's safe and they have a good time' when asked what he was looking forward to most.
Military flyovers conducted during Freedom 250 Grand Prix
Military flyovers representing all Armed Forces Branches were conducted during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, featuring displays by Ospreys and other tactical formations as part of celebrations for the nation's 250th anniversary.
Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar race held in Washington D.C.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar race took place in Washington D.C. on August 23, 2026, as part of celebrations for America's 250th anniversary. The 1.7-mile street course featured drivers competing for 147 laps, with the race starting and finishing in front of the U.S. Capitol building. The course wound through Pennsylvania Avenue with drivers reaching speeds near 200 mph. More than 100,000 spectators attended the event, with free tickets distributed through a lottery system.
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