U.S. President Donald Trump is turning the streets of Washington, D.C., into a high-speed IndyCar racetrack as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will take place this weekend, becoming the first IndyCar race to be held around the National Mall and one of the most unusual sporting spectacles ever staged in the U.S. capital.
The temporary circuit will send race cars speeding through some of Washington’s most recognisable areas, including Pennsylvania Avenue and roads near the National Archives and the U.S. Capitol. Cars are expected to reach speeds of up to 185 mph on the Pennsylvania Avenue straightaway.
The race was ordered by Trump as part of his broader Freedom 250 celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The temporary circuit is about 1.7 miles long, with the race scheduled for August 23 following practice and other events over the weekend. General admission is free.
The course skirts the U.S. Capitol rather than passing directly through its grounds because bringing the race closer would have required congressional approval.
Along Pennsylvania Avenue, crews have had to prepare the historic road for cars travelling at extraordinary speeds. Manhole covers are being secured, barriers are being moved and fencing is being installed to protect spectators from debris.
The event is part of Trump’s effort to stage major celebrations around the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The White House has promoted 2026 as a landmark year for the country, with Freedom 250 events taking place throughout the year.
Trump is also expected to take an honorary lap around the circuit in his official presidential vehicle, known as “The Beast,” before the race.
The race route passes close to some of the country’s most important cultural and historical institutions.
The National Gallery of Art, for example, conducted a vibration study to determine whether the noise and vibrations produced by the high-speed cars could affect the building or its artwork. The gallery has not released the study’s findings.
The National Mall itself has also been central to the year’s 250th-anniversary celebrations, hosting events including the FIFA World Cup fan festival and the Great American State Fair.
The unprecedented race has also created practical headaches for people in the capital.
Road restrictions, parking bans and street closures have been introduced around the circuit while crews build the track and security infrastructure.
The event has therefore turned parts of Washington from ordinary city streets into a temporary motorsports circuit — with historic government buildings and national monuments serving as the backdrop.
2026-08-19 20:31:00
