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From City Streets to Racetrack: Washington Revs up for Freedom 250 Grand Prix
The inaugural race was built in about six months and is expected to draw about 140,000 spectators a day, organizers said.
Downtown Washington, D.C. is transforming into a racetrack this weekend for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a multimillion-dollar event celebrating America's 250th birthday on a temporary 1.7-mile circuit.
Race Chairman Bud Denker noted that crews built the Washington circuit in just six months, compared to the typical two-year timeline for similar street races in Detroit and Arlington.
Officials expect approximately 140,000 spectators daily, with security operations involving the U.S. Secret Service and FBI, while flight operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport pause for three hours Sunday.
Access to the National Mall and three Smithsonian museums is restricted to ticketholders this weekend, while organizers urge fans to use Metro instead of driving due to extensive road closures.
Drivers will complete 147 laps on the temporary circuit, providing a unique challenge for the series; "this is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience," driver David Malukas said.