American race cars tore around Washington on Sunday for an inaugural Grand Prix in the US capital to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix began after US President Donald Trump completed a ceremonial lap in the presidential limousine and waved the green flag.
The race is the latest in a series of sporting events Mr Trump has used to celebrate the country and his second term, even as his approval rating has dropped to the lowest point since he returned to the White House in January 2025, and the US is at war with Iran.
Mr Trump opened the summer with a professional mixed martial arts bout on the South Lawn of the White House, then presented the trophy to Spain, the Fifa World Cup champions, a month later.
The unusual setting for an IndyCar race, with the US Capitol and Smithsonian museums as the backdrop, was not lost on the drivers.
“What an incredible place to do it,” race winner Kyle Kirkwood told Fox Sports after his victory.
Arrow McLaren’s Christian Lundgaard finished second and Kirkwood’s Andretti teammate Will Power completed the podium.
Alex Palou, of Chip Ganassi Racing, entered the race with six wins this season and a 133-point lead over Kirkwood. The four-time champion’s afternoon was undermined by a drive-through penalty, a slow pit stop and a late crash.
