Start your engines! Trump completes fast and furious takeover of Washington with IndyCar race

US president, pushing on with Freedom 250 festivities, makes over nation’s capital for Trump rally on wheels Kyle Kirkwood wins Freedom 250 IndyCar race after Trump waves the green flag He got the wrong end of the stick. Donald Trump couldn’t figure out how to hold the green flag until his wife, Melania Trump, and Co

The president took a ceremonial lap of the track before the race, which is the culmination of a summer of events to mark the country's 250th birthday.

U.S. President has increasingly focused on ceremonial aspects in his second term

Washington was hosting an IndyCar race through its streets Sunday, with U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump kicking off the Freedom 250 Grand Prix by leading a slow lap in the presidential limousine through the course.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have kicked off the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington

Trump waves the green flag to start the IndyCar race as drivers zoom through Washington's streets  AP News

The open-wheel race, with cars whizzing past Washington's monuments at speeds approaching 200 mph, is the latest of Trump's celebrations this year to mark America's 250th birthday.