IndyCars practice for Freedom 250 in Washington among iconic landmarks
CNN • 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.
- 6:21 PMCNN — Trump administration latest: IndyCars race through the capital for Freedom 250 event - CNN
- 2:33 PMThe Washington Post — IndyCar drivers prepare to zoom 185 mph on D.C. streets in Trump-hosted race - The Washington Post
- 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.
"Public roadways in DC have been converted into a speedway for an event hosted by Freedom 250, a nonprofit backed by President Donald Trump. Follow here for the latest.
"The Freedom 250 Grand Prix, expected to draw around 140,000 spectators, is the culmination of events the president launched to mark the country’s birthday.
Sources
External links- CNNAug 23, 2026, 6:21 PMTrump administration latest: IndyCars race through the capital for Freedom 250 event - CNN
Public roadways in DC have been converted into a speedway for an event hosted by Freedom 250, a nonprofit backed by President Donald Trump. Follow here for the latest.
- The Washington PostAug 23, 2026, 2:33 PMIndyCar drivers prepare to zoom 185 mph on D.C. streets in Trump-hosted race - The Washington Post
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix, expected to draw around 140,000 spectators, is the culmination of events the president launched to mark the country’s birthday.
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 10:51 PMIndyCars 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.
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