Freedom 250 Grand Prix Track Unveiled in D.C.

Officials unveiled the track design for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a historic IndyCar Series race set to take place in Washington, D.C., on August 22-23, 2026, marking the first motorsport event on the National Mall and surrounding city streets.

The race commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and will feature a 1.7-mile street circuit with seven turns, weaving past iconic landmarks including the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, National Archives, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and National Gallery of Art. Drivers will navigate high-speed straights along Pennsylvania and Independence Avenues, reaching speeds up to 160 miles per hour, before tackling technical corners near 9th Street. The layout starts and finishes on 3rd Street with the Capitol in view and crosses the National Mall twice per lap, blending urban racing with national symbols.

President Donald Trump authorized the event through an executive order signed in January, directing the secretaries of the Interior and Transportation to designate a suitable route that highlights the capital's landmarks. The order emphasizes showcasing the city's majesty during the...