IndyCar drivers thundered down Pennsylvania Avenue on Saturday, turning one of Washington’s most recognizable corridors into a high-speed proving ground ahead of a landmark race in the nation’s capital.
The cars screamed around a 1.7-mile street circuit laid out through downtown Washington, DC, in a final tuneup for Sunday’s event. The temporary track runs past the Smithsonian museums along the National Mall and offers drivers a dramatic backdrop within view of the US Capitol.
President Trump, who signed an order calling for an Indy car race in DC, is scheduled to take a lap of the course on race day in his armored presidential limousine, known as “the Beast.”
Trump will also wave the green flag to launch the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, held in recognition of America’s 250th birthday, according to Bud Denker, president of Penske Corp., the company organizing the race.
Drivers are set to complete 147 laps, with speeds expected to exceed 170 mph as they navigate sharp turns and narrow stretches on the city’s streets.
First lady Melania Trump, who appeared at the White House this week in support of the race, is also expected to accompany the president in the viewing stands.
More than 100,000 spectators are expected to attend the Washington, DC IndyCar race.
To prepare the street circuit, organizers installed barricades and welded manhole covers shut to help protect both spectators and city infrastructure. The construction, however, has meant weeks of road closures and detours for residents across downtown Washington.
The race features luxury suites sponsored by Delta, Gulfstream and Verizon that were going for $250,000, plus “Champions Club” members paying $5,000 for viewing with good sightlines.
Denker said others sponsoring the race include Boeing, SpaceX and Starlink.
Organizers offered free tickets by lottery in June, and flyovers were planned for Sunday. Race time is set for 1:10 p.m.
