IndyCars Roar Past Washington Landmarks for Historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix

IndyCar series race cars have roared through the streets of Washington, DC, in the shadow of major landmarks as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix kicked off.

Before the race, IndyCar drivers tested open-wheel cars at speeds of up to 298 kilometres per hour (185 miles per hour) on a 2.7km (1.7-mile) course winding around the Washington Monument, the US Capitol, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum along the National Mall.

Spain’s Alex Palou claimed the pole position with a qualifying lap of 56.899 seconds after setting the fastest practice time. The race was established by United States President Donald Trump as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the US.

Organisers expected up to 100,000 people to attend the event, where a field of 25 drivers contested 147 laps over a total distance of 400km (250 miles). President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and Donald Trump Jr. participated in the weekend's events, which featured military flyovers and a presidential presence.