The NTT IndyCar Series will hold its inaugural Freedom 250 race in Washington D.C. on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The event marks the first automobile race to be held on the National Mall and will feature a temporary street circuit winding through the heart of the city.
The race broadcast is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One, with the green flag expected at 1:13 p.m. ET. Practice and qualifying sessions will take place on Saturday, August 22, with coverage beginning on FOX Sports networks.
The Freedom 250 will utilize a seven-turn, 1.7-mile circuit that passes by landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument. The race is set for 147 laps, covering approximately 250 miles.
As the series heads into Round 15 of its 18-race season, Alex Palou leads the championship standings with 542 points. Kyle Kirkwood is in second place with 409 points, followed by David Malukas (405), Christian Lundgaard (403), and Pato O'Ward (385). Palou has the opportunity to clinch the championship in Washington if his lead expands to at least 163 points following the race.
Last weekend, Marcus Ericsson won the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham on August 16. Ericsson's victory was the most recent event prior to the Washington D.C. race.
Broadcasting the event will be Will Buxton on play-by-play, with analysts Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe. Pit road reporters will include Kevin Lee, Georgia Henneberry, Jack Harvey, and Jamie Little. Pre-race coverage, starting at 11:30 a.m. ET, will be hosted by Chris Myers, joined by analysts Helio Castroneves and Danica Patrick.
Fans can stream the Freedom 250 and select practice, qualifying, and warmup sessions live on FOX One, with a three-day free trial available. Race information and results will also be available on FOX Sports.