IndyCar brings 147-lap Freedom 250 to Washington's National Mall
What's new: Organizers expect about 140,000 spectators a day and welded more than 200 manhole covers shut for the street race.
IndyCar is set to race through central Washington this weekend in the first event of its kind in the nation's capital, with the two-day Freedom 250 Grand Prix culminating in a 147-lap, 250-mile race Sunday near the National Mall. The temporary course runs about 1.7 miles past the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument, the National Gallery of Art and several Smithsonian museums. Organizers say roughly 25 drivers will compete, including Alex Palou and Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist. Preparations have included road resurfacing, barriers, viewing stands and welding down more than 200 manhole covers. The event is tied to the country's 250th anniversary celebrations and is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators.