WASHINGTON, United States, Aug 23, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - US President Donald Trump 
is set to take a ceremonial lap in his armored limousine and wave the green 
flag to launch Sunday's IndyCar race through the streets of Washington, 
capping celebrations of America's 250th birthday.

Trump, who created the Freedom 250 Grand Prix by executive order as part of 
the United States anniversary commemoration, will have a prime seat to watch 
the spectacle as open-wheel cars race in the shadow of iconic landmarks at 
speeds up to 185 mph (298 km/h).

"The president wanted to do this. He's a big fan. We wanted to be part of the 
250th anniversary," IndyCar series owner Roger Penske said.

"This is really a by-product of our team trying to take it to the next level. 
This is an iconic race."

Trump, 80, is expected to take a lap of the course in his armored limousine 
known as "The Beast" and wave the green flag at the start-finish line in 
front of the US Capitol building, with military flyovers before the start of 
the 250-mile event.

"The 100,000 people who will be coming here today, they care about the 
country," Penske said. "They are excited to see us racing here."

Spain's Alex Palou, a six-time winner this season, can clinch his fourth 
consecutive IndyCar season title and fifth in six years.

He will start from pole position in the field of 25 drivers racing 147 laps 
over the 1.7-mile layout, which weaves around such landmarks as the 
Washington Monument, the National Archives, and Smithsonian museums including 
the National Gallery of Art.

"It's incredible," Palou said of the event. "For sure surpassed all my 
expectations."

IndyCar and Penske Racing will pay much of the $35 million cost to stage the 
race, supported by sponsors to boost attention for a series best known for 
the Indianapolis 500 oval classic.

"This is an Indy 500 on the street track," said New Zealand driver Scott 
McLaughlin.

Workers welded down manhole covers around the course so they would not be 
pried loose when cars race over them, while the National Gallery of Art 
studied how vibrations from the vehicles might impact its exhibits.

- 'It's a spectacle' -

Kyle Kirkwood was overjoyed at racing around the US capital.

"Thrilled to be driving around these amazing streets," Kirkwood said. "It's a 
big moment as an American to be able to drive around DC. It's an event that 
America is putting on and something that's very special."

It figures to be a once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza.

"I don't know if we'll ever drive IndyCars around the nation's capital again, 
so the fact we're doing it is a spectacle," US racer Josef Newgarden said.

"We have another spectacle in the Indy 500 and I think this one will rival 
it."

Penske said IndyCar would consider a US capital return.

"Never say no. We'll talk about it," Penske said. "This is a world-class 
operation. We'll have to meet next week and figure out where we're going 
next."

Like much of what happens in Washington, it won't be entirely smooth runnings 
on the streets. Pavement bumps around the course are expected to challenge 
drivers.

"The bumps are so big. There's not much you can do. You need to have a car 
that's all right over bumps, that's not trying to kill you every time," Palou 
said.