Freedom 250 Grand Prix brings IndyCar racing to National Mall in Washington, D.C. for first time

Pre-race programming begins at 11:30 a.m., with cars scheduled to reach the starting grid at noon and driver introductions at 12:20 p.m.

Published: August 23, 2026 7:58am

Updated: August 23, 2026 8:01am

The streets of the nation’s capital will become an IndyCar racing circuit Sunday for the first time as the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix brings high-speed racing to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

The event, held Aug. 22-23, marks the first NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on the National Mall, with the 1.7-mile temporary street circuit passing some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol and other sites around downtown Washington, according to organizers.

Race-day activities begin early on Sunday with gates opening at 8 a.m., followed by the IndyCar warm-up at 9:15 a.m. Pre-race programming begins at 11:30 a.m., with cars scheduled to reach the starting grid at noon while driver introductions are happening at 12:20 p.m. 

Drivers will be told to start their engines at 1:05 p.m., with the Freedom 250 Grand Prix scheduled to take the green flag at 1:10 p.m. The race will be televised nationally on FOX. 
 


 

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