Freedom 250 grand prix electrifies Washington, D.C. with historic street circuit race

The inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. delivered an unforgettable spectacle on Sunday, drawing over 215,000 spectators to a 1.7-mile, seven-turn street circuit around the National Mall and historic monuments. Serving as the capstone celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the event featured seven military flyovers, marching bands, and a gathering of high-profile dignitaries led by President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

Before the 25-driver field took the green flag, President Trump and the First Lady met active Indianapolis 500 winners Alex Palou, Felix Rosenqvist, Will Power, Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Alexander Rossi, and Marcus Ericsson on the grid. The presidential motorcade completed a lap of the circuit with Donald and Melania Trump riding in the armored executive limousine known as "The Beast." District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser called drivers to their cars, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum commanded engines to start, NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman led the field in a two-seat INDYCAR SERIES car, and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy waved the checkered flag.

After 147 laps and 250 miles of intense racing, Kyle Kirkwood secured his seventh career NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory driving the No. 27 Sam’s Club Honda. Christian Lundgaard claimed the runner-up spot and maintained his status as the only driver to complete all 1,962 laps this season, while teammate Pato O’Ward finished 16th one lap down. Will Power took third in the No. 26 TWG AI Honda for Andretti Global, marking his third consecutive third-place finish and fourth in the last six races.

Behind the podium finishers, several drivers delivered standout performances on the newly ground track surface near Turn 1 and Turn 6. Kyffin Simpson drove the No. 8 Sunoco Chip Ganassi Racing Honda from 23rd to fifth for his fifth top-five finish. Arrow McLaren's Nolan Siegel climbed from 18th to a career-best sixth in the No. 6 Chevrolet despite a six-position grid penalty for an unapproved overnight engine change. Rookie Caio Collet also achieved a career-best result, finishing ninth in the No. 4 Combitrans Amazonia Chevrolet for A.J. Foyt Enterprises to claim his first career top-10.