IndyCar takes to Washington streets for landmark Freedom 250

Aug 20 : IndyCar will race through the heart of the U.S. capital this weekend, bringing open-wheel cars to a temporary circuit around the National Mall in a first-of-its-kind event tied to America's 250th anniversary celebrations.The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will be contested over 147 laps covering 250 miles on a 1.7-mile, seven-turn course using Pennsylvania Avenue and passing landmarks including the Washington Monument, the National Archives building and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.The event was originally planned as a 125-lap race, but officials extended it to ensure that the '250' miles aligned with the celebration theme. The trophy is a crystal pyramid featuring a 3D model of the U.S. Capitol dome."It's an IndyCar street fight," Mexican driver Pato O'Ward said. O'Ward,