President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Biden joined fans cheering as they conducted a ceremonial lap of the 1.7‑mile streets of Washington, DC, marking the Freedom 250 Grand Prix – the first IndyCar race in the capital.
During the 250‑mile, 147‑lap course, 25 professional drivers accelerated at speeds up to 190 mph past the Washington Monument, the National Mall, and the U.S. Capitol, overtaking a city accustomed to a 55‑mph speed limit.
The Beast, Trump’s presidential limousine, drove the lead line while the new Air Force One performed a fly‑over at the finish line, underscoring the event’s patriotic tone.
Organizers expect about 140,000 spectators, with free tickets awarded via a lottery and premium passes costing $5,000. The race required extensive road closures, security measures, and temporary rails for lighting.
Notable reactions included American driver Josef Newgarden’s remarks about the uniqueness of racing around iconic landmarks, and security teams testing the vibration resilience of the National Gallery of Art’s collection.
