US President Donald Trump was among hundreds of people who gathered to see the IndyCar race through the streets of Washington DC on Sunday, marking the culmination of a series of summer events celebrating the country’s 250th birthday.
The president and First Lady Melania Trump took a ceremonial lap of the 1.7‑mile track in his presidential limousine, The Beast, while detonating a flyover from the new Air Force One as they crossed the finish line.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix was the first professional road‑race hosted in the capital, with 25 drivers competing over 147 laps that summed up to 250 miles, a nod to the nation's anniversary.
Chicago‑based drivers reached speeds up to 190 mph (306 km/h) despite Washington DC’s usual 55 mph speed limit, touching iconic sites such as the Washington Monument and the National Mall.
Organizers expected about 140,000 spectators, many granted free general‑admission tickets through a lottery, and premium packages selling for $5,000.
The event demanded extensive logistical and security measures, closing airspace over Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for three hours to accommodate a U.S. military flyover.
The National Gallery of Art conducted vibration tests to ensure its collection could withstand the roar of the engines, but the celebration’s music drowned out any concerns.
American driver Josef Newgarden remarked that racing through the capital “is super unique,” emphasizing the historic significance of the event for the country.
