@uslast24hr: For the first time, IndyCar cars raced through the streets of Washington, D.C., turning the National Mall into a 1.66-mile street circuit for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on Aug. 23. The event was part of the celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary.  President Donald Trump helped launch the race, taking a ceremonial lap in the presidential limousine, The Beast, before waving the green flag. First lady Melania Trump also attended. The race featured military flyovers and a route passing landmarks including the U.S. Capitol, National Archives and Washington Monument.  The numbers were wild: 25 drivers completed 147 laps — exactly 250 miles — with speeds approaching 185 mph. More than 200 manhole covers were welded down, and concrete barriers were installed around the course for safety. The race was won by American driver Kyle Kirkwood, who led 128 of the 147 laps and finished 3.1 seconds ahead of Christian Lundgaard. The event drew an estimated 140,000 to 200,000 spectators, depending on the estimate, while road closures and the massive track setup disrupted parts of downtown. The race was created through an executive order Trump signed in January and was promoted as a celebration of American freedom, motorsports and the nation’s 250th birthday. A racetrack through the nation’s capital — historic celebration or unnecessary spectacle?

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2026-08-24 14:24:39

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