Kyle Kirkwood won the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington on Sunday.  Reuters
Kyle Kirkwood won the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington on Sunday. Reuters

Race cars tear through US capital for event to celebrate America's 250th anniversary


American race cars tore around Washington on Sunday for an inaugural Grand Prix in the US capital to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary.

The ‌Freedom 250 ⁠Grand Prix began after ⁠US President Donald Trump completed a ceremonial lap in the presidential limousine and waved ​the green flag.

The race is the latest in a series of sporting events Mr Trump has used to celebrate the country and his second term, even as his approval rating has dropped to the lowest point since he returned to the White House in January 2025, and the US is at war with Iran.

Transport Secretary Sean Duffy and his wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy wave the chequered flags during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington.  Reuters
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy and his wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy wave the chequered flags during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington. Reuters

Mr Trump opened the summer with a professional mixed martial arts bout on the South Lawn of the White House, then presented the trophy to Spain, the Fifa World Cup champions, a month later.

The unusual setting for an IndyCar race, with the US Capitol and Smithsonian museums as the ​backdrop, was not lost on the drivers.

"What an incredible place to do it," race winner Kyle Kirkwood told Fox Sports after his victory.

Arrow ⁠McLaren's ‌Christian Lundgaard finished second ​and Kirkwood's Andretti teammate Will Power completed the podium.

Alex Palou, of Chip Ganassi Racing, entered the race with six wins this season and a 133-point lead over Kirkwood. The four-time champion's afternoon was undermined by ​a drive-through ‌penalty, a ⁠slow pit ​stop and a late ​crash.

Updated: August 23, 2026, 8:58 PM