Temporary IndyCar track being built around Washington's National Mall for Freedom 250 Grand Prix

In Washington DC, crews are rapidly transforming streets surrounding the National Mall into a provisional IndyCar course for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, set for August 22-23. The layout will use portions of Pennsylvania Avenue, 3rd Street, Independence Avenue, 7th Street and 9th Street, with concrete barriers, fencing and other race-specific installations being placed primarily during night hours to limit impact on commuters.

Bud Denker, president of Penske Corporation, explained that the timing is intended to keep roads open for daytime traffic and pedestrians. This project follows earlier temporary builds for UFC Freedom 250 cage fights, the Great American State Fair and Fourth of July festivities. The new circuit will turn the iconic downtown area into a short-lived IndyCar venue, showcasing the city’s capacity to host large-scale sporting events.