Americans are off to the races this weekend as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix begins for the first time in the nation’s capital. The free, two-day motorsports event is packed with racing, fan zones, concessions, and entertainment.
The weekend-long event honoring America’s 250th birthday is putting the pedal to the metal on Saturday, Aug. 22, as the 1.7-mile, seven-turn course will wind through the streets of Washington, D.C., circling the National Mall. The street circuit will also feature a high-speed 0.4-mile run down Pennsylvania Avenue.
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Cars will speed past iconic landmarks including the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Archives.
On Saturday, the event will start with NTT IndyCar Series practice runs and qualifying sessions at 9 a.m. and will occur throughout the day.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will also showcase the iconic International Race of Champions series, which ended in 2006 after its 30th season. The return of the program will bring together some of the most accomplished drivers in motorsports history to compete.
IROC practice will be broadcast after the IndyCar practice. IROC will host two 20-minute heat races on the streets on Saturday, at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
After IROC racing and ceremonies, IndyCar qualifying will take to the track from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Sunday marks the historic Grand Prix race. Warmups start at 9 a.m., followed by the IndyCar pre-race at 11:30 a.m., and the Freedom 250 Grand Prix starts at 1 p.m.
A full list of broadcast scheduling can be found on Fox Sports.
Sunday’s IndyCar series race features an iconic 147 laps, creating a 250-mile race to honor America 250.
Street closures and parking restrictions for the event will impact D.C. drivers. The Metropolitan Police Department announced the closures, some of which have been in effect since July, while others started last week. Much of the National Mall will be inaccessible. Event organizers say roads around downtown will not return to normal until Sept. 15.
The event is building excitement across the country. IndyCar stars visited the White House in July. Drivers Alex Palou, Felix Rosenqvist, and David Malukas met with President Donald Trump as part of a press event. It featured a live pit stop demonstration, with Malukas behind the wheel of a patriotic No. 12 Chevy.
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IndyCar Series driver David Malukas drives a race car as a pit crew prepares to demonstrate a tire change on West Executive Drive at the White House during a showcase for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix auto race, Monday, July 13, 2026, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo) -
IndyCar Series driver David Malukas, right, exits a race car following a demonstration as Felix Rosenqvist, the 2026 Indy 500 winner, from left, Alex Palou, the reigning IndyCar champion, Bud Denker, Freedom 250 Grand Prix chairman and Penske Corporation president, President Donald Trump, Roger Penske, chairman and founder of Penske Corp., and Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks watch on West Executive Drive at the White House during a showcase for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix auto race, Monday, July 13, 2026, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo) -
President Donald Trump, right, speaks as IndyCar Series driver David Malukas, from left, Felix Rosenqvist, the 2026 Indy 500 winner, and Alex Palou, the reigning IndyCar champion, listen on West Executive Drive at the White House during a showcase for the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix auto race, Monday, July 13, 2026, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo) -
IndyCar Series driver David Malukas drives a race car down West Executive Drive during an event with President Donald Trump to promote the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix auto race, Monday, July 13, 2026, at the White House in Washington. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)
Trump is expected to take an honorary lap on the course on Sunday in the presidential limousine ahead of the race.
What to know if you’re attending the Freedom 250 Grand Prix
Hundreds of thousands of fans registered for the event, and ticket requests are no longer being considered. One hundred thousand free tickets were distributed through Ticketmaster.
Those who did get a ticket should expect heightened security. Only clear bags are allowed, and bags cannot exceed 12 inches long, 6 inches high, and 12 inches deep, according to the event’s gate regulations page.
Concessions across the event include burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, BBQ, and even a crabcake sandwich. Alcohol will also be available for purchase, and refillable water stations will be available through ticket areas.
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Visitors should also note that aerosol products, such as bug spray and sunscreen, are prohibited, and camera bags and cases will be confiscated.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix digital event guide is a great tool to use throughout the weekend. The guide features maps, including the best metro stations and rideshare pick-ups and drop-offs, schedules, and events to help visitors plan and stay informed.
