Washington D.C.'s National Mall will host the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix this weekend, transforming the area around iconic landmarks into a 1.66-mile IndyCar race circuit. The event, part of a series celebrating the nation's 250th birthday, is expected to draw approximately 140,000 spectators daily, with 100,000 free tickets distributed via lottery. The race, a 250-mile, 147-lap event broadcast live on Fox, is anticipated to last about three hours. Speeds on main straightaways like Pennsylvania Avenue and Independence Avenue are projected to exceed 190 mph, significantly faster than the usual 25 mph limit.
President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order on January 30th to facilitate the race, stated his intention for the event to "showcase the majesty of our capital city." The race is organized by the Freedom 250 Grand Prix organization, which lists IndyCar's promotional alliance with Monumental Sports & Entertainment as a key partner. The event also includes practice runs, NTT IndyCar Series qualifying, and an International Race of Champions Racing Series (IROC) event on Saturday, with the main race starting Sunday at approximately 1:10 p.m. ET on 3rd Street in front of the U.S. Capitol Building.
Preparations for the race have involved resurfacing roadways, erecting concrete guard barriers and fencing, and welding over 200 manhole covers shut. Spectator risers and pedestrian bridges have also been constructed. Many top IndyCar drivers are expected to compete, including 2026 Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the event has drawn criticism from preservationists. The Living New Deal, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving New Deal-era history, has voiced concerns that vibrations from the race cars could damage historic frescoes. Mary Okin, assistant director of the Living New Deal, specifically cited concerns about Seymour Fogel's 1940s frescoes at the entrance of the Wilbur J. Cohen Building, which is situated near one of the race course's turns. Okin noted that sound waves could exceed 130 decibels and expressed worries about potential damage from debris or collisions.
In response to these concerns, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), which manages the Cohen Building, stated that it reviewed the race course and identified no areas of concern. A GSA spokesperson affirmed support for the patriotic celebrations. The National Park Service, which issued the permits, referred inquiries to the race organizers. A spokesperson for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix stated that IndyCar has extensive experience with street circuits and that thorough preparation leads them to anticipate no negative impact on surrounding structures.
The National Gallery of Art reported conducting its own vibration study and implementing unspecified precautionary measures. Several other major museums, including the National Archives, the National Museum for the American Indian, and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, are also located near the race course.