Freedom 250 Grand Prix Brings Historic IndyCar Racing to Washington’s National Mall

The inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., unfolds this weekend as the first-ever NTT IndyCar Series race on the streets of the nation’s capital, serving as a centerpiece of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

The two-day free motorsports festival takes place August 22-23 on a temporary 1.7-mile, seven-turn street circuit that winds around the National Mall. Drivers will race past some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including a high-speed 0.4-mile stretch along Pennsylvania Avenue framed by the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. The start-finish line sits near the Capitol steps. The main race distance was extended to 147 laps totaling 250 miles to mark the Semiquincentennial, creating additional strategy around fuel and tires compared to a shorter street-circuit event.

The event was established by executive order and marks the first automobile race ever held on the streets of Washington, D.C. Saturday’s schedule features IndyCar practice sessions, an autograph session, and two 20-minute International Race of Champions (IROC) exhibition races. The IROC field includes motorsports legends such as Jeff Gordon, Bill Elliott, Tony Kanaan, Dario Franchitti, Helio Castroneves and others competing in authentic period Pontiac Firebirds.

The main NTT IndyCar Series race runs Sunday. Pre-race coverage begins at 11:30 a.m. ET on FOX and FOX One. The green flag is scheduled shortly after 1 p.m. ET (approximately 1:10-1:13 p.m.), with the full race broadcast live on FOX and available to stream on FOX One. Practice and qualifying sessions from Saturday air on FS1 and FS2, also available via FOX One.

Radio coverage is available nationally through the IndyCar Radio Network on SiriusXM and locally on WTEM. Gates open early both days for ticketed general admission areas (free tickets were distributed earlier via lottery). The race is scheduled rain or shine, with delays possible only for severe weather.

Fans can catch the historic action from home on FOX beginning Sunday morning, with the full 250-mile contest providing a rare chance to watch open-wheel racing against the backdrop of the National Mall.