What We Know About the Trump-Backed IndyCar Race Taking over the Heart of DC
The 147-lap race on a 1.7-mile course is designed as a public celebration and could draw new fans, drivers said.
- The Freedom 250 Grand Prix brings open-wheel racing to Washington, D.C. this weekend, featuring a 147-lap, 250-mile course around the National Mall to honor America's 250th anniversary.
- President Donald Trump fast-tracked the event in January via executive order titled 'Celebrating American Greatness with American Motor Racing,' while Penske Corporation President Bud Denker led route planning and permitting.
- IndyCar is funding the project's more than $35 million price tag, which includes installing 1,800 walls weighing 10,000 pounds each and welding about 220 manhole covers for driver safety.
- Organizers expect 130,000 spectators daily from nearly 300,000 ticket requests, with security including TSA-style screening and Secret Service oversight similar to July Fourth protocols.
- While organizers bill the event as inaugural, there is no confirmation it will become an annual fixture; driver Graham Rahal called racing past the U.S. Capitol "iconic" for its symbolic significance.
13 Articles
13 Articles
What we know about the Trump-backed IndyCar race taking over the heart of DC
By Aleena Fayaz, CNN (CNN) — Monaco, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Miami have boasted high-speed street races — and soon, Washington, DC will too.Race cars will push speeds up to 180 miles per hour this weekend as the nation’s capital joins other iconic cities hosting street circuits, where public roads are converted into a race track. In DC, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix is part of a belated celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary and President Do…
IndyCar driver Graham Rahal reflects on opportunity to compete at Freedom 250 Grand Prix: 'Iconic moment'
Graham Rahal will be one of about two dozen drivers who will be speeding through the streets of Washington, D.C., on Sunday at the Freedom Grand Prix 250.Rahal reflected on the opportunity to take part in the race as the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary. He was among those who spoke at the IndyCar Grand Prix Media Preview on Thursday afternoon.ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!"As an American, this …
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