IndyCars practice for Freedom 250 in Washington among iconic landmarks
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 10:51 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
IndyCars took to the streets of Washington on August 22 for practice and qualifying ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, set for August 23. The event features a 1.7-mile course winding around landmarks like the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. Alex Palou secured the pole position with a lap time of 56.899 seconds, while Kyle Kirkwood finished second in practice at 56.691 seconds. Organizers expect a turnout of up to 100,000 spectators for the unique race, created as part of celebrations for the United States' 250th birthday. Drivers have noted the challenges presented by the course's bumps and turns, highlighting the need for precise handling.
- •Palou leads with a pole position time of 56.899 seconds.
- •Practice sessions highlight the course's unique challenges.
- •The event expects up to 100,000 attendees, including Trump.
- •The race covers 250 miles over 147 laps.
- •The event commemorates the 250th birthday of the United States.
- 10:51 PMYahoo Sports — IndyCars zip among iconic Washington landmarks ahead of Freedom 250
"Race cars roared across Washington city streets in the shadow of iconic landmarks on Saturday as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, created by President Donald Trump, began with practice and qualifying for Sunday's first-of-its-kind event."This is a once-in-a-lifetime event," said Bud Denker, Freedom 250 chairman and president of IndyCar owner Penske Corporation.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
F1•Aug 22, 2026, 10:58 PMRasmussen finds career-best qualifying form in D.C.
F1•Aug 22, 2026, 9:53 PMTsunoda admits feeling ‘like a rookie’ in Zandvoort return
F1•Aug 22, 2026, 9:23 PMLiam Lawson Explains Why Red Bull Feels Easier This Time: “Last year the car was on the limit”- F1•Aug 22, 2026, 7:01 PMF1 Today | Norris secures Dutch GP Pole Position, as Verstappen makes major contract revelation
F1•Aug 22, 2026, 5:54 PMPogačar produces explosive finish to win the first stage of the Spanish Vuelta
F1•Aug 22, 2026, 5:43 PMNorris expects challenge after back-to-back poles
