Washington, D.C.'s first IndyCar race packed the National Mall

Drivers take part in the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington, D.C., Aug. 23, 2026. Nathan Howard/Reuters hide caption

The first-ever street race in the nation's capital ended with Florida native Kyle Kirkwood on the podium. He led 128 of the 147 laps, finishing with a commanding win.

Kyle Kirkwood, driver of the #27 Sam's Club Honda, celebrates with his crew after winning the NTT INDYCAR Series Freedom 250. Chris Graythen/Getty Images hide caption

Kyle Kirkwood, driver of the #27 Sam's Club Andretti Global Honda, celebrates after winning the NTT INDYCAR Series. President Trump established the Freedom 250 Grand Prix weekend as part of the yearlong celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Finn Gomez/Getty Images/Getty Images hide caption

Drivers race on the track during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race. Aaron Schwartz/Reuters hide caption

Over the weekend, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix transformed some of the nation's most famous streets – Pennsylvania, Constitution, and Independence avenues – into a race track.

Tens of thousands of people packed into the National Mall to attend each day of the two-day event. There was no shortage of American flag paraphernalia: red, white and blue hats, shirts, earrings and dresses. Many in the crowds sported bald eagles splashed on bright shirts as well as "Freedom 250" merch. (And a real bald eagle flew over the racetrack during the singing of "God Bless America" before returning to its handler.)

People in costumes appear on the racetrack ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race. Tierney L. Cross/Reuters hide caption