Kyle Kirkwood dominates for emotional Freedom 250 win: ‘Almost in tears here’

Kyle Kirkwood was gassed. He’d just led IndyCar’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix for 128 of the 147 laps, a dominating effort en route to winning the inaugural event weaving through the streets of Washington, D.C. Kyle Kirkwood stands up from his car and celebrates after winning the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix auto race in Washington on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. AP Photo/Nick Wass He’d just unleashed a roar upon getting out of his car, celebrating his second win of the season before getting honored with a podium ceremony that featured the bald eagle. This was the spectacle of the Freedom 250 race — which consisted of 147 laps and 250 miles to commemorate the United States’ milestone birthday, serving as the second-longest street race in IndyCar history, according to the racing league. Kyle Kirkwoo