Same but different: How Freedom 250 and Detroit Grand Prix compare.

Posted by Talbot Payne on August 27, 2026

Alex Palou leads the field down Pennsylvania Avenue on the first lap during the NTT IndyCar Series Freedom 250 on August 23, 2026.

Alex Palou leads the field down Pennsylvania Avenue on the first lap during the NTT IndyCar Series Freedom 250 on August 23, 2026.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― The NTT IndyCar Freedom 250 race around the National mall was one of the most electric races in the history of American motorsport. Like the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day weekend, it was a stage unlike any other ― its trophy coveted by drivers and teams.

In execution, however, D.C.’s street race celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday was similar to Penske Entertainment’s annual home race, the Detroit Grand Prix.

The traveling IndyCar circus is the world’s most challenging race series because it tests drivers (and organizers) on venues from 240-mph ovals to writhing road courses to gritty street courses.  This year, IndyCar had five urban slugfests on its 18-race calendar: St. Petersburg, Florida; Long Beach, California; Markham, Ontario; Detroit and D.C.

The latter pair have the most in common. “The track is a lot like Detroit, actually,” said Indy 500 winner and Andretti Global ace Marcus Ericsson in a trackside D.C. interview. “Very bumpy with a long front straight that is the best spot to pass.”

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