The NTT IndyCar Series is holding its Freedom 250 Grand Prix, transforming streets around the National Mall and U.S. Capitol into a racing circuit. The event, part of the America 250 celebrations, was initiated by an executive order signed by President Trump in January. This order directed federal agencies to collaborate with the mayor's office in Washington, D.C., to establish the race.
The track layout features seven corners along a route that includes portions of Pennsylvania Avenue, which also serves as the pit lane. A notable feature of the circuit is a narrow chicane at Turn 6 and a potentially tricky pit lane entrance located shortly after Turn 1. The paddock area, essential for team operations, is situated along Constitution Avenue NW and 7th Street, allowing for easy access to pit lane.
Beyond the main IndyCar event, the weekend also includes two International Race of Champions (IROC) races on Saturday. This revived series pits drivers from various racing disciplines against each other in identical machinery. The field for the IROC races features notable names from NASCAR, including Jeff Gordon, Bill Elliott, Bobby Labonte, Rusty Wallace, and Kurt Busch, alongside IndyCar legends Tony Kanaan, Helio Castroneves, and Dario Franchitti. The Indy NXT series, IndyCar's feeder series, is not participating in this event.
Organizers anticipate a significant turnout, with up to 140,000 spectators expected each day of the two-day event. While some premium tickets remain available, general admission tickets were offered for free and were quickly claimed. Media coverage of the event includes practice and qualifying sessions on FS1 and FS2, with pre-race coverage beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET on FOX on Sunday, followed by the race at 1 p.m. ET.
