Photos: IndyCars speed past Washington landmarks as part of Freedom 250

In PicturesSaveSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkA pit crew works in front of the National Gallery of Art during a practice before the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race in Washington, DC. [Nathan Howard/Reuters]By AP and ReutersPublished On 23 Aug 202623 Aug 2026Race cars have roared through the streets of Washington, DC, in the shadow of its landmarks as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, created by United States President Donald Trump, has kicked off.Before Sunday’s first-of-its-kind race, IndyCar drivers tested open-wheel cars at speeds of up to 298 kilometres per hour (185 miles per hour) on Saturday over the bumps and bends of a seven-turn, 2.7km (1.7-mile) course that winds around the Washington Monument, the US Capitol, the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum along the National Mall.Spain’s Alex Palou, the championship leader with six wins this season, claimed his seventh pole position of the campaign with a qualifying lap of 56.899 seconds after setting the fastest practice time of 56.614 seconds.But results took a back seat to the dramatic backdrop for Sunday’s race, which Trump established by executive order as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the US.Organisers expected up to 100,000 people to attend, including Trump.A field of 25 drivers contested 147 laps on Sunday over a total distance of 400km (250 miles), making it the second-longest street race in IndyCar history after 500km (310-mile) events held in Cleveland in 1982 and 1983.US President Donald Trump rides in the presidential limousine before the start of the race. [Daniel Heuer/Reuters]Spectators attend the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar practice and qualifying. [Evan Vucci/Reuters]President Donald Trump with first lady Melania Trump during the US national anthem. [Doug Mills/Pool via Reuters]Air Force One flies over the US Capitol and the National Mall. [Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo]IndyCar fans watch a military flyover before the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix. [Nick Wass/AP Photo]President Trump waves the green flag to start the race between first lady Melania Trump and Donald Trump Jr. [Doug Mills/Pool/The New York Times via AP]The race is the latest of Trump’s celebrations this year to mark the 250th birthday of the US. [Nick Wass/AP Photo]President Trump and Melania Trump watch the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix. [Alex Brandon/AP Photo]Race car driver Graham Rahal takes a pit stop during the race. [Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo]IndyCar drivers tested open-wheel cars at speeds of up to 298km/h (185mph) on August 22, 2026. [Daniel Heuer/Reuters]Driver Marcus Armstrong rides past the National Archives. [Rod Lamkey Jr/AP Photo]A driver passes in front of the US Capitol. [Nathan Howard/Reuters]