IndyCars zip by Washington landmarks ahead of Freedom 250
Race cars roared across Washington city streets in the shadow of iconic landmarks as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, created by President Donald Trump, began with practice and qualifying.
IndyCars raced through Washington D.C. streets past famous landmarks, including the Washington Monument, US Capitol, National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, for the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix. President Donald Trump created the event through executive order to celebrate the United States' 250th birthday.
Drivers experienced speeds of up to 298km/h over a 2.7km course with seven turns. Kyle Kirkwood, second in practice, described the experience as surreal, noting the history and iconic settings. Spain's Alex Palou, leading the season points table, secured his seventh pole position of the year with a qualifying lap of 56.899 seconds.
The race's unique backdrop took precedence over results, with Bud Denker, chairman of IndyCar owner Penske Corporation, praising the collaboration between the president, Cabinet members, and organizers. The field of 25 cars will compete over 147 laps for 402km, making it the second-longest street-course race in IndyCar history.
Pavement bumps on Pennsylvania Avenue created challenges, with several cars clipping the padded concrete walls. Drivers like Romain Grosjean and Pato O' Ward acknowledged the need for precise handling to navigate the bumps. Palou, aiming for his fourth consecutive IndyCar season crown, admitted the race would be tough due to the large bumps heading into turns two and six.
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