WASHINGTON — DC is gearing up for a thrilling automotive event as race cars prepare to take over the streets of the National Mall this coming August.
On Monday, officials revealed the 1.66-mile circuit route for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, which is part of the festivities planned to commemorate America’s birthday. The race promises to be a unique spectacle, weaving through iconic landmarks such as the Washington Monument, the US Capitol, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue, according to an announcement from IndyCar.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the collaborative spirit behind this event. “This was a team effort,” he stated. “It’s Penske, it’s FOX, it’s the mayor, it’s Interior, it’s everybody else joining together not to make a profit, not to get your name out there but to say, let’s celebrate America.”
Duffy’s sentiment underscores a broader goal: “Let’s celebrate America’s birthday.”
Mark your calendars for August 22-23, when the inaugural street race around the National Mall will take place. The course construction is set to commence over the summer, promising to transform the cityscape into a thrilling raceway.
The first-ever street race around the National Mall will take place from Aug. 22-23, with the course itself set to be built up during the summer.
Drivers will also blast past the National Archives, the National Gallery of Art, and the Hirshhorn Museum, with a pit lane on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Officials debuted a red, white, and blue “Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar” design Monday to honor the upcoming 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
“We want people to plan their trips to D.C. now,” DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said. “Come for the Freedom 250, and then stay to enjoy our monuments and museums, our beautiful parks, world-class restaurants and hotels, and all the culture and entertainment that make us the best city in the world.”
President Trump took executive action back in January, tasking Duffy and Secretary of the Interior Sean Duffy to coordinate with Bowser on planning the feted event.
“The story of America is one of vision, courage, perseverance – and speed,” Monica Crowley, Trump’s representative for America’s 250th, said in a statement.
“Presidents Washington and Jefferson marked notable celebrations with spirited horse races; the Freedom 250 race will bring that historic tradition into the 21st century and renew a tremendous sense of patriotic pride.”
Trump’s team is eyeing other major sports events to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, including a UFC fight at the White House. The US is also co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup over the summer.
