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IndyCar Unveils National Mall Street Course for August Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C.

Authorized by a presidential order, the DC course skirts Capitol grounds to speed approvals and preserve sponsorships.

Overview

  • The Aug. 22–23 event features a roughly 1.66–1.7 mile, seven‑turn layout with a 0.4‑mile Pennsylvania Avenue frontstretch past the Capitol, Washington Monument and Smithsonian museums, marking the first race around the National Mall.
  • Start/finish is planned on 3rd Street facing the Capitol with pit lane on Pennsylvania Avenue, while the lap count and race start time remain to be determined.
  • Organizers confirmed free public access and a national FOX broadcast, and they rolled out the event logo and a red‑white‑blue show car to promote the race.
  • Course buildout is slated to begin this summer with streets largely remaining open; National Park Service and U.S. Park Police will help oversee protections as barriers are installed mostly during off‑hours, and organizers say they will cover any roadway damage.
  • After an initial concept that likely required a congressional vote, planners redesigned the route to avoid Capitol grounds, and officials are projecting large turnout and significant economic benefits.