IndyCar’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, DC Sets Viewership Record for Non-Indy 500 Race

The NTT IndyCar Series’ Freedom 250 Grand Prix delivered exceptional television ratings as the race around Washington, DC’s iconic landmarks attracted 3.282 million viewers on FOX Sports. The viewership marked the highest audience for a non-Indianapolis 500 IndyCar event since the 2008 Champ Car and IRL merger, demonstrating significant appeal for the event held amid the nation’s capital.

The audience figure represented a 279% surge over the typical Sunday viewership average for non-Indy 500 races. The event also boosted the IndyCar season average to 1.875 million viewers, reflecting a 32% increase compared to the prior year and a 70% improvement over 2024, when the series aired on NBC and Peacock.

Kyle Kirkwood, driving the No. 27 Andretti Global Honda and hailing from Jupiter, Florida, controlled most of the competition throughout the race after claiming the lead from Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing on the opening lap. Despite a qualifying mishap at Turn 1 on his final lap, Kirkwood’s dominant pace withstood late-race pressure from Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin and Arrow McLaren’s Christian Lundgaard.

The victory sets up a title battle heading into the final three races of the season, beginning with a doubleheader at the Milwaukee Mile followed by a road course finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. All remaining races will broadcast on FOX.