The Freedom 250 roars onto the National Mall. How Penske pulled if off
Posted by Talbot Payne on August 22, 2026

IndyCar
WASHINGTON — For America’s 250th anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Independence, Washington, D.C.’s National Mall has featured a massive fireworks display July 4 and the Great American State Fair from June 25-July 10.
Now it’s the auto industry’s moment to make noise. A lot of noise.
The NTT IndyCar Series’ Freedom 250 Grand Prix comes to the Mall this weekend, August 22-23, showcasing some of the fastest race cars in the world. Powered by screaming Chevrolet and Honda engines, 25 open-wheel rockets will reach speeds of over 180 mph on a 1.7-mile, seven-turn track around the capital’s iconic landmarks. It will also feature President Donald Trump taking a lap of the course in The Beast, the presential limo made by General Motors Co., plus a 1,250-horsepower Corvette pace car and military flyovers.


