Trump Flags Off Washington IndyCar Debut

WASHINGTON, United States | US President Donald Trump took center stage as IndyCar made its street-racing debut in Washington, but Kyle Kirkwood left the capital with the victory.

Trump completed a ceremonial lap aboard his armored limousine, known as “The Beast,” before waving the green flag to start the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.

The 147-lap race covered 250 miles around a 1.7-mile street circuit that passed the US Capitol, Washington Monument, National Archives and several museums. Cars reached speeds of up to 185 mph.

Kirkwood won after two hours, 40 minutes and 42.9548 seconds. The American crossed the line 3.09 seconds ahead of Denmark’s Christian Lundgaard, while Australian Will Power finished third.

Kirkwood survived a late restart when New Zealand’s Scott McLaughlin crashed while attempting to pass him. He then held the lead to secure the seventh IndyCar victory of his career.

“This is a big moment for us. A big moment for America,” Kirkwood said after the race.

Trump created the Freedom 250 through an executive order as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Before the start, the president met IndyCar owner Roger Penske and the seven Indianapolis 500 winners among the 25 drivers. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump then toured the circuit aboard the presidential limousine.

Pre-race activities included flyovers by a stealth bomber and Air Force One. Air traffic at nearby Reagan National Airport was temporarily suspended during the event.

IndyCar and Penske Racing shouldered most of the estimated $35-million cost of staging the race. Organizers said about 215,000 spectators attended the two-day event.

Penske said the series had been trying to organize a race in Washington for two decades. He described the inaugural event as an iconic addition to the US anniversary program.

Power called meeting Trump before the race a surreal experience for someone who grew up in a small Australian town.

The event could also return next year. Freedom 250 chairman Bud Denker said Trump wants the race to continue for another five years, although organizers must determine whether it can generate the same level of revenue.

Much of the circuit infrastructure, including its protective walls, will be stored nearby.

Denker said Melania added to the expectation of a second running when she told organizers that she looked forward to seeing them again next year.