Trump arrives at high-speed IndyCar race through Washington's streets
The president took a ceremonial lap of the track before the race, which is the culmination of a summer of events to mark the country's 250th birthday.
Donald Trump, the US President, attended a high-speed IndyCar race known as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington D.C. This race, marking the country's 250th birthday, was the first time professional road racing has taken place in the capital. The president and First Lady Melania Trump rode a ceremonial lap in his presidential limousine, The Beast, followed by a flyover from Trump's new Air Force One.
With a maximum speed limit of 55mph (89kmh), the race is designed to feature some of the world's fastest drivers at up to 190mph (306kmh). The 25 drivers will complete 147 laps, covering a 250-mile course with seven crucial turns, celebrating the nation's anniversary. The track is located around the famous monuments and museums on the National Mall.
Expect about 140,000 attendees, with tickets distributed through a lottery and premium packages selling for approximately $3,600 per pair, according to the BBC's US partner CBS. The event required extensive security measures, including road closures, manhole closures, and road resurfacing. Earlier this summer, Trump hosted a UFC event on the White House lawn and organized a fireworks show on Independence Day.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
