INDYCAR Announces Details of Washington D.C.'s 'Freedom 250' Race

The Freedom 250 will take place this August on a scenic 1.7-mile Washington D.C. street course at the National Mall.

by Thomas Carelli

Mar 9, 2026

Freedom 250 Logo Besides the American Flag

(Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The NTT INDYCAR Series has taken to the White House today, Monday, March 9, to announce the Freedom 250 race. The event is scheduled for late August this year. As part of the 250-year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Washington, D.C., is hosting a variety of celebratory events, famously including the UFC White House fight card. The INDYCAR Freedom 250 is now set to join the celebration.

Freedom 250 INDYCAR Race Details

The Washington Monument is visible from the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC. The government shut down early Wednesday after Congress failed to reach a funding deal. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
(Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

As announced today, the race route will be a 1.7-mile circuit. Cars will pass through the National Mall, by the National Archives, and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. The route will feature beautiful backdrops of Washington, D.C., such as the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the Washington Monument.

To be exact, the route as shown above will be 1.66 miles with just seven total turns. The circuit is shorter than most, but it will also be the most scenic of them all. Donald Trump signed an executive order to make this race happen, called "Celebrating American Greatness with American Motor Racing."

This event will be open to the public, free of charge, on August 22-23, 2026. Fans will still require a ticket, likely to go up for free purchase in April. Grandstand/seating details will be clarified at a later date. As per Penske Corporation President Bud Denker, the race will be a non-profit event, with all proceeds going to city charities.

INDYCAR gathered in Washington, D.C. today to announce these details, which featured yesterday's INDYCAR 250 winner, Josef Newgarden. The racecar driver was excited about the event, stating, "This circuit is unlike any other street race we’ve seen."

Chief of Protocol of the United States, Ambassador Monica Crowley, went on to emphasize, "The story of America is one of vision, courage, perseverance - and speed." The Freedom 250 will be the 15th race of the INDYCAR season. It will be the fourth-to-last race of the season, and we can catch the broadcast on Fox. The starting time is TBD.