WASHINGTON—This weekend the streets of the nation’s capital will be taken over by one of the most American sports, IndyCar. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will be a 250-mile race through the heart of the city, circling the National Mall and passing monuments and government buildings.
It is set to bring more than 100,000 fans, including President Donald Trump, the visionary of the event, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
“What’s more American than fast cars racing through the streets of our nation’s capital? If that doesn’t make you proud to be an American, I don’t know what will,” Duffy told the Daily Signal.
“The Department of Transportation was proud to help bring President Trump’s one-of-a-kind vision to life this weekend for an unforgettable celebration of America’s talents, innovation, and drive for excellence. At 250 years, freedom doesn’t just ring, it revs!”
Organizers for the event have promised a patriotic show to celebrate America’s yearlong 250th birthday. The weekend will consist of at least seven flyovers. The president is also set to take a ceremonial lap in “The Beast,” the bulletproof, custom-built Cadillac limo that Trump rides with his motorcade.
First lady Melania Trump has even joined in on the patriotic weekend. On Thursday afternoon she announced a partnership between the event and her first lady initiative, Fostering the Future. IndyCar and Fox Sports presented a $2 million donation to fund scholarships at Indiana University and Purdue University. There are now 26 schools across the country participating in the first lady’s initiative to help children aging out of foster care.
Penske Group, the owner of IndyCar, opened the markets from the racetrack Friday morning, ringing the New York Stock Exchange bell. Company officials were joined by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, NYSE President Lynn Martin, and race sponsors.
The Race, the Track, the Cars
Sources familiar with the event and the course told the Daily Signal that this track is easier than most IndyCar races, meaning the driver who starts in front will likely be the one to cross the finish line first. Sunday’s final Grand Prix lineup will be determined by practice races and qualifying on Saturday.
The last Grand Prix, in Markham, Ontario, consisted of at least 11 sharp turns and hills. This weekend’s course is a flat, five-turn course. An employee of IndyCar told the Daily Signal this could give a less experienced driver the winning advantage.
If you can’t make it to Washington this weekend, you can watch the race live on Fox Sports. The network has mounted a camera to the top of the Washington Monument. Or keep up with the Daily Signal for more coverage on our social media, including an exclusive interview with star racer Sting Ray Robb.
[Editor’s note: This story originally was published by The Daily Signal.]
