President Trump drives lap at IndyCar’s Freedom 250 race in Washington
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 5:03 PM
Last updated Aug 23, 2026
President Donald Trump drove a lap around IndyCar's Freedom 250 race track in Washington on August 23, 2026, in a Cadillac limousine known as 'The Beast'. The lap was completed at about 50 miles per hour, contrasted with IndyCar drivers expected to exceed 170 miles per hour during the race. Before his lap, Trump met with several Indianapolis 500 winners, including Alex Palou and Josef Newgarden. The Freedom 250 race has gained attention since Trump's executive order allowing for the event on the National Mall.
- •Trump drove a 1.7-mile lap before the race began.
- •IndyCar drivers will race faster than 170 miles per hour.
- •The event was anticipated following Trump's executive order in January.
- •Penske president Roger Penske sought this event at the National Mall for 20 years.
- •Over 250,000 fans attended qualifying and race day.
- 5:03 PMYahoo Sports — President Donald Trump takes lap at IndyCar’s Freedom 250
"President Donald Trump drove a lap around IndyCar’s Freedom 250 race track in Washington on Sunday.
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