Revved Up in Washington D.C.: Freedom 250 Grand Prix Turns up Stunning Shots of Pennsylvania Ave Racetrack

Race car drivers take practice runs prior to Sunday’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix auto race in Washington, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Stunning video captured practice runs of this weekend’s Freedom 250 Grand Prix event, with sleek race cars zooming down Pennsylvania Avenue as the Capitol Building dome rose in the background.

Footage posted to X show by NTT IndyCar Series included stunning shots of the streets of Washington D.C.’s streets, which were closed for the event born of a January executive order from President Donald Trump.

Other footage showed the point of view of the drivers as they zipped along the course, which was created by temporarily walling off the streets.

“POV: You’re behind the wheel around D.C.,” the group captioned one post alongside a clip.

The roaring race cars could be seen in a colorful line beginning practice runs earlier Saturday.

The event is the first NTT IndyCar Series race on the National Mall and includes a qualifying race Saturday ahead of the Grand Prix Sunday afternoon.

IndyCar officials were on hand this week at the Rose Garden as First Lady Melania Trump announced a partnership between her Fostering the Future initiative, IndyCar, Fox Corporation, Indiana University and Purdue University ahead of the 250 Grand Prix.

It was Melania Trump’s first public appearance in a month, and came as headlines have erupted with news of her husband’s extremely devoted top aide, Natalie Harp.

Some critics voiced concerns about the physical impact of the massive race, telling NPR the more than two dozen cars doing 147 laps around the 1.7-mile track at speeds up to 180 mph could bring damage-inducing vibrations.

A National Gallery of Art spokesman told NPR the institution boarded up some of its outdoor works in the sculpture garden which borders the track.

Chris Abanavas told the outlet in a statement that the gallery “conducted an extensive vibration study and based on the results we have implemented a set of measures to ensure the safety of our staff, visitors, collection, and facilities during the race.”

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