IndyCar driver Graham Rahal described the upcoming Freedom Grand Prix 250 street race in Washington, D.C., as an "iconic moment" for him as an American, especially with the event coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary.
Rahal is among approximately two dozen drivers who will compete on the streets of the U.S. capital this Sunday. Speaking at the IndyCar Grand Prix Media Preview on Thursday, he reflected on the significance of racing near Capitol Hill and down Pennsylvania Avenue.
"As an American, this is an iconic moment," Rahal stated. "This sport has a very international feel to it in many ways, but to be able to come race in the U.S. capital, right in front of Capitol Hill, to drive down Pennsylvania Ave., these are all things as a young kid growing up in this country, some of the first things you learn is the value of those names."
He added that seeing the red, white, and blue on his car this weekend holds particular meaning, especially with friends, family, and military personnel he has supported over the years in attendance.
"To be here, to have the red, white and blue on the car this weekend, all of friends and folks that are coming, military people that we’ve worked with and supported over the years, means a lot," Rahal said.
The race weekend activities are set to begin Saturday morning with the first practice session at 9 a.m. ET, followed by a second session at 1 p.m. ET. Qualifying is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. The initial practice session will be broadcast live on FS1, with the later events airing on FS2.
On Sunday, drivers will participate in warm-ups starting at 9 a.m. ET, with the green flag for the Freedom Grand Prix 250 dropping at 1 p.m. ET. The warm-up will be shown on FS1, and the race itself will be broadcast on FOX.