Trump arrives at high-speed IndyCar race through Washington's streets

By Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu Reporting from Washington DC President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump completed a ceremonial lap of the 1.7‑mile IndyCar course through Washington, D.C., riding in the presidential limousine nicknamed The Beast. As they crossed the finish line, Air Force One executed a flyover above the capital. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix marks the first time professional road racing has been hosted in the nation’s capital. While the city’s standard speed limit remains 55 mph (89 km/h), the event scheduled for 13:00 EST (18:00 BST) on Sunday will see the world’s fastest drivers reach velocities of up to 190 mph (306 km/h). Twenty‑five professional drivers will contend 147 laps that incorporate seven distinct turns, totalling a 250‑mile distance—a deliberate nod to the United States’ 250th anniversary. The route takes competitors past the Washington Monument and the museums lining the National Mall before concluding with a finish line framed by the US Capitol building. Like Formula 1, the IndyCar series features open‑wheel, single‑seater vehicles. Unlike F1, where teams design and construct their own chassis, IndyCar engines are supplied exclusively by either Chevrolet or Honda. Organizers anticipate roughly 140,000 spectators, with many receiving free general‑admission tickets through a lottery system. Premium hospitality packages were offered on Saturday for approximately $3,600 per pair of passes, according to the BBC’s U.S. partner CBS. Staging the race has required extensive logistical and security preparations. The city has implemented widespread road closures, bolted down manholes, and resurfaced pavement. Additionally, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which primarily handles domestic flights, has been subject to a three‑hour airspace restriction to accommodate the military flyover. Earlier this summer, President Trump also hosted an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House lawn and presided over a fireworks display on July 4.