The NTT IndyCar Series will race in Washington, D.C., for the inaugural Freedom 250, an event designed to celebrate the United States' 250th birthday. The race features a unique, custom-designed trophy that merges two of the capital's most recognizable landmarks.

The trophy is a scaled representation that combines the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol dome. According to designer Michael Montri, the trophy's aesthetic is inspired by the perspective from behind and through the Washington Monument, looking toward the Capitol Building across the National Mall.

Trophy Design Details

The upper portion of the trophy features a solid clear crystal pyramid, proportionally scaled to mimic the Washington Monument's profile with a 72.6-degree face angle and a 1,600 height-to-base ratio. A hollow shaft continues downward at the same angle to the plinth.

Crowning the trophy is a detailed model of the U.S. Capitol dome. The components are scaled across three different sizes for the podium finishers:

  • First place: 22.5 inches total height, 15.5-inch base diameter, and a 10.0-inch Capitol dome.
  • Second place: 20.25 inches total height, 13.95-inch base diameter, and a 9.0-inch Capitol dome.
  • Third place: 18.0 inches total height, 12.4-inch base diameter, and an 8.0-inch Capitol dome.

Crowning the award is a detailed, 3D-rendered crystal model of the U.S. Capitol dome that scales in size across all three podium finishers.

The trophy's black base is constructed with 45-degree miter joints, featuring a mirror-finish polish where the plinth meets the base. An optical detail is incorporated beneath the plinth: a mirror-finish polish on the underside of the hollow plinth directs light upward into the shaft, illuminating the crystal pyramid and Capitol dome from within.

The Freedom 250 owner trophy features a solid clear crystal pyramid mathematically proportioned to match the exact 72.6-degree slope of the Washington Monument.

The trophy is produced in three scaled sizes for the top three finishers.

Race Details

The Freedom 250 is scheduled as a 250-mile street race on a 1.7-mile circuit that will navigate through landmark locations in Washington, D.C. This event marks a rare occasion for professional racing in the nation's capital. The race is set to begin Sunday at 11:30 a.m. ET, with the green flag expected around 1:13 p.m. ET. The course is anticipated to challenge drivers with heat, demand strength, and test pit crews, likely involving at least four pit stops.