Washington D.C. was transformed into a high-speed circuit on Sunday as President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump kicked off the historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix.
The President and First Lady took a ceremonial lap of the 1.7-mile course in the presidential limousine, 'The Beast,' before a flyover by the new Air Force One signaled the start of the race.
The event, which marks the culmination of a summer of celebrations for the country's 250th birthday, saw professional drivers hitting speeds of up to 190mph—a stark contrast to the city's usual restrictive 55mph speed limit.
Kyle Kirkwood secured his seventh career IndyCar victory on the 250-mile course, which wound past iconic American landmarks including the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol.
While the event required significant logistical coordination, including road closures and temporary airspace restrictions for the military flyover, the atmosphere remained one of national pride. Thousands of spectators, many of whom secured tickets through a public lottery, lined the streets to celebrate the unique occasion.
The race follows a series of high-profile events hosted by the President this summer, including an Ultimate Fighting Championship exhibition on the White House lawn and a Fourth of July fireworks display, reinforcing a summer of patriotic celebration.
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