US President Donald Trump waved the green flag Sunday to start the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, an IndyCar street race through Washington, D.C., staged as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Before the race, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump completed a ceremonial lap of the 1.7-mile circuit in the presidential limousine known as The Beast. An Air Force One flyover followed as the vehicle reached the finish line.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix marked the first professional road race hosted in the US capital. The temporary seven-turn course runs around the National Mall and past landmarks, including the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol.
Twenty-five drivers were scheduled to complete 147 laps for a total race distance of 250 miles, reflecting the United States’ 250th anniversary. Cars were expected to reach speeds of up to 190 mph (306 km/h) on the street circuit.
Organisers expected about 140,000 spectators, with many receiving free general-admission tickets through a lottery. Premium packages were offered at $5,000 for two passes.
Read: Trump America 250 Speech Draws Partisan Criticism
The event required widespread road closures, resurfacing work and the securing of manhole covers. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport also faced a three-hour airspace closure to accommodate a US military flyover.
IndyCar’s official schedule lists the Freedom 250 as an NTT INDYCAR SERIES event on Aug. 23, with the race scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
