Newgarden and Kirkwood Hail Historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix as Racing’s Defining Moment

The NTT IndyCar Series is preparing to deliver what many in the sport view as its most ambitious venue yet with the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, an open-wheel racing event that will wind through Washington’s most recognizable streets and monuments. The race represents a significant departure from the circuit’s traditional home at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which has hosted the legendary Indianapolis 500 for over a century.

Two of the sport’s leading drivers—Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden and Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Global—joined Fox Sports IndyCar commentator Will Buxton on Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends” Tuesday to discuss the significance of the unprecedented competition. Newgarden, a two-time Indianapolis 500 champion and two-time series champion driving the No. 2 Chevrolet, stressed that opportunities of this magnitude rarely materialize in professional racing.

“I don’t know when we’re going to have an opportunity to race in our nation’s capital again with an IndyCar,” Newgarden stated. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we want to go out and represent the country while competing for Team Penske.”

Kirkwood, piloting Andretti Global’s No. 27 Honda and currently second in the championship standings, emphasized the logistical achievement and visual appeal of the course layout. The track winds down Pennsylvania Avenue, past the Smithsonian museums, and directly adjacent to the Capitol building, creating an unparalleled backdrop for motorsport competition.

Organizers expect to draw approximately 100,000 spectators across both race days. Practice begins Saturday morning with qualifying scheduled for early evening, while the main event commences at 1 p.m. ET with pre-race coverage starting at 11:30 a.m. on FOX.