Trump caps summer of US 250th birthday at IndyCar race through Washington

Race car diver Alex Palou after a qualifying race prior to Sunday's Freedom 250 Grand Prix auto race in Washington, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) New: You can now listen to articles. This audio is generated by an AI tool. 24 Aug 2026 04:32AM WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump capped celebrations of th

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.

Trump kicks off IndyCar race in ‘The Beast’  CNN

More than 100,000 spectators converged on the US capital for its inaugural Grand Prix race. Many were racing fans - some said they were just there to support the president.

More than 100,000 spectators converged on the US capital for its inaugural Grand Prix race. Many were racing fans - some said they were just there to support the president.

Trump’s motorcade took an honorary loop around the race course before he waved the green flag to officially start the 402km race.

IndyCar's Freedom 250 Grand Prix zoomed through the National Mall, past the US Capitol, down historic Pennsylvania Avenue, and around the National Archives, in the marquee event on Sunday afternoon.

Trump caps summer of US 250th birthday at IndyCar race through Washington  Reuters

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

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have made the short drive to the course of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington

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.

For one weekend only, speed limits don’t apply to cars circling the National Mall in Washington as the Trump administration brings an IndyCar race through the capital, part of the president’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday.

Trump will kick off the IndyCar race in the Beast before cars zoom through Washington's streets  Toronto Star