IndyCar's First Race in Washington D.C.

A major open-wheel race has taken over the streets of the nation's capital this weekend, marking the first time the NTT IndyCar Series has held an event in Washington, D.C. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 23, 2026, on a 1.7-mile temporary circuit that winds around the National Mall, starting in front of the U.S. Capitol.

The event is expected to draw about 140,000 fans on race day, with tickets that were offered for free having been claimed rapidly. The race commemorates the nation's 250th birthday and features 25 drivers competing over 147 laps. Organizers say the track's design, which includes six left-hand turns and one right-hand turn, poses a significant challenge due to its bumpy surface. Points leader Alex Palou noted after practice sessions on Saturday, August 22, that the bumps will "spice things up" for the drivers.

Extensive preparations have transformed the area around the National Mall over several weeks, with construction of grandstands and barriers leading to road closures and access restrictions. Several popular museums and national landmarks within the track perimeter, including the National Air and Space Museum...