Freedom 250 Grand Prix brings IndyCar racing to National Mall in Washington, D.C. for first time

The streets of the nation’s capital will become an IndyCar racing circuit Sunday for the first time as the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix brings high-speed racing to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

The event, held Aug. 22-23, marks the first NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on the National Mall, with the 1.7-mile temporary street circuit passing some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol and other sites around downtown Washington, according to organizers.

Race-day activities begin early on Sunday with gates opening at 8 a.m., followed by the IndyCar warm-up at 9:15 a.m. Pre-race programming begins at 11:30 a.m., with cars scheduled to reach the starting grid at noon while driver introductions are happening at 12:20 p.m. 

Drivers will be told to start their engines at 1:05 p.m., with the Freedom 250 Grand Prix scheduled to take the green flag at 1:10 p.m. The race will be televised nationally on FOX.