IndyCar drivers turned left on Pennsylvania Avenue, with the U.S. Capitol in the background, during the Freedom250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)
WASHINGTON — IndyCar took over the streets of the nation’s capital for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, the last in a series of events coordinated and promoted by President Donald Trump to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Just over two dozen racers zipped through a 1.66-mile course, reaching speeds up to 190 miles per hour as they traced a course down Pennsylvania and Independence avenues, crossing the National Mall twice, for the first-ever IndyCar series event in Washington, D.C.
Trump’s motorcade traveled on the course down Pennsylvania Avenue ahead of the race, and the president waved the green flag at 1:10 p.m Eastern to start the 147 laps.
Several military aircraft crossed the sky shortly before the race, including flyovers featuring a B-2 bomber and Air Force One.
Thousands gathered along the course fencing with close-up views. Many won free tickets via drawing earlier in the summer.
Scott and Jackie Cunningham paid for a VIP Champions package and traveled from Salt Lake City for the experience.
“I love this street, the venue. This is phenomenal,” said Jackie, 62. “We’re so thrilled to be here, and so thankful to President Trump for getting this organized.”
The couple was rooting for star driver and “soon-to-be champion” Alex Palou, Scott, 67, said as they walked around the paddock area where team crews work on the cars ahead of the race.
“We are excited for him and his success, and also excited to see some of the other teams out here, like the McLaren team. One of my favorites because I’m also a big Formula One fan,” Scott said.
Bryan Bystol, 25, the strength and conditioning coach for team Rahal Letterman Lanigan, sat for a quick lunch with fellow crew members outside the team tent in the paddock. The team is based in Zionsville, Indiana.
An IndyCar race through Washington, D.C., was the final event in President Trump’s Freedom 250 series to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. (Video by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)
“My responsibility when we’re in the shop is to train the drivers, the pit crew guys, everybody in the shop to improve their performance,” Bystol told States Newsroom.
The team trainer takes the drivers and crew through Pilates courses and other conditioning, with a main focus on core muscles.
“These street races are pretty physical. Even though there is power steering, for them to be able to keep turning their car back and forth on its tight turns. It’s really physically demanding,” Bystol said.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix was the last among a series of events organized by the Trump administration for the nation’s semiquincentennial.
Freedom 250 is distinct from the bipartisan America250 commission created by Congress in 2016 to plan programming around the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Trump-backed Freedom 250 received some federal money through the Republican “big, beautiful” law in 2025, but is mostly funded through private contributions. Michigan-based Penske Corp. was the primary sponsor of Sunday’s grand prix.