IndyCar brings 147-lap Freedom 250 to Washington's National Mall
Why it matters: Organizers expect about 140,000 spectators each day for the one-off race tied to the U.S. 250th anniversary.
IndyCar will race through central Washington this weekend in the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a two-day event on streets around the National Mall that ends with Sunday's 147-lap, 250-mile feature. The temporary course runs about 1.7 miles past the Capitol, the Washington Monument and Smithsonian museums, making it the first IndyCar race in the nation's capital. Organizers have closed roads, installed barriers and fencing, resurfaced sections of pavement and welded shut more than 200 manhole covers. The field includes series champion Alex Palou and 2026 Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist. Bud Denker of Penske Corp. told NPR the race is intended as a one-time event tied to celebrations of the country's 250th birthday.