Trump to wave start flag as IndyCar debuts on Washington streets

In honor of the United States’ 250th birthday, a new IndyCar race will be held on the streets of Washington, D.C., with President Donald Trump taking a ceremonial drive in his armored limousine before waving the green flag. The event, dubbed the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, was established by executive order and is being organized by IndyCar and Penske Racing, who are covering much of the $35 million cost. Roger Penske highlighted the president’s enthusiasm for the race and the excitement of the 100,000 expected spectators.

Drivers including Alex Palou, who starts from pole, and Scott McLaughlin will navigate a 1.7-mile circuit that passes the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the National Archives and several Smithsonian museums. Preparations involved securing manhole covers and assessing vibration impacts on nearby art collections. Participants described the race as a unique spectacle that could rival other major IndyCar events.