President Trump to Flag Start of IndyCar’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C.

U.S. President Donald Trump is actively preparing for the upcoming IndyCar race on the streets of Washington, D.C., scheduled for this weekend as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. He signed an executive order earlier this year directing his administration to host the event as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.

The race weekend has now arrived, with President Trump set to wave the green flag while Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy will wave the checkered flag on Sunday. Bud Denker, president of the Penske Corporation and Chairman of the Freedom 250, confirmed the ceremonial arrangements.

President Trump will also take a lap around the 1.7-mile street course prior to the race start in the ‘Beast,’ the heavily armored presidential limousine. A full motorcade will accompany him, with First Lady Melania Trump also attending the event. This appearance was first reported by the New York Post and is being referred to as a ‘lap of honor.’

The President has previously participated in similar ceremonial roles before the 2020 and 2025 Daytona 500 races. Beyond IndyCar and NASCAR, he also attended the 2024 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.

The IndyCar course will navigate through Pennsylvania Avenue, Independence Avenue, and pass iconic landmarks including the National Archives, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. The U.S. Capitol Building and Washington Monument will frame the temporary street circuit.

The Federal Aviation Administration has authorized airspace closures above Reagan National Airport (DCA) from 10:15 AM to 1:15 PM EST, with racing set to begin just after 1 PM EST. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will feature 147 laps of competition.

IROC will join IndyCar as a support series this weekend with two 20-minute races, as Indy NXT will not be present.

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