President Donald Trump participated in the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix on Sunday, August 23, 2026, completing a ceremonial lap around the 1.7-mile circuit located near the U.S. Capitol. The event served as a capstone for Washington D.C.'s summer festivities commemorating America's semiquincentennial.
Trump's lap in the presidential limousine, known as "the Beast," was accompanied by a flyover from Air Force One, a continuation of aerial displays that heralded the race. The establishment of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix weekend was part of President Trump's initiative for the yearlong celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary.
"They’ve been trying to do it for 20 years," Trump told Fox Sports prior to his lap. "It turned out to be, I think, bigger and better. And the weather is beautiful. You know, I was hearing about rain all week long. It’s going to rain. It’s going to rain. I said, ‘No it’s not.’ And this is as nice a day as I’ve seen in Washington in a long time."
The president arrived to a crowd's cheers and greeted drivers and senior IndyCar officials before embarking on the ceremonial lap. Trump was also slated to wave the green flag to officially start the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, marking the first IndyCar race held in Washington, D.C.
