Washington readies first IndyCar street race around National Mall
What's new: Organizers expect about 140,000 spectators a day for the two-day Freedom 250, which they describe as a one-time event.
Washington is set to host its first IndyCar race this weekend as the Freedom 250 turns streets around the National Mall into a temporary 1.66-mile circuit. The two-day event starts Saturday with practice, qualifying and an IROC race, before Sunday’s 250-mile main event over 147 laps begins near the U.S. Capitol. Organizers say cars could top 180 mph on Pennsylvania Avenue. Crews have built grandstands and pedestrian bridges, resurfaced parts of the course and welded more than 200 manhole covers shut. Penske Corp. president Bud Denker said the company is covering most costs, with road work expected to stay under $3 million, and described the race as likely a one-time event tied to the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.