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The NTT IndyCar Series is preparing to stage one of its most ambitious events with the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a landmark race taking place in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Capitol serving as a dramatic backdrop. An executive order signed by President Trump in January directed federal agencies and the mayor’s office to design and construct the racing circuit. The event was conceived as part of America 250 celebrations, though the 250-mile race distance was not formally added until weeks before the announcement.
The track layout utilizes streets surrounding the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue, where teams have established their pit operations. The circuit features seven turns, predominantly at 90-degree angles, with a notably tight chicane at Turn 6 and a challenging pit lane entrance immediately following the opening corner. Despite its relatively simple design, the course presents significant tactical demands for drivers navigating the urban street course.
Team operations will be staged along Constitution Avenue Northwest and 7th Street, allowing pit crews to rapidly position vehicles for practice sessions and qualifying rounds. Race organizers anticipate drawing up to 140,000 spectators daily over the two-day weekend. General admission tickets sold out immediately, though premium seating options remain available.
Saturday’s schedule includes two International Race of Champions events, reviving a series that last ran in 2006, featuring drivers from different racing disciplines competing in identical Pontiac Firebirds. The competitor lineup includes NASCAR veterans Jeff Gordon, Bill Elliott, Bobby Labonte, Rusty Wallace and Kurt Busch, alongside IndyCar legends Tony Kanaan, Helio Castroneves and Dario Franchitti.
Live coverage begins Saturday with practice and qualifying sessions on FS1 and FS2, followed by Sunday’s warm-up session on the same networks. FOX will broadcast pre-race programming beginning at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time, with the main event commencing at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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