President Donald Trump waved the green flag to start the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington on Sunday, officially launching the 147-lap race around the capital's most recognizable landmarks.
Medal of Honor recipients Command Sgt. Maj. Matt Williams and Col. Paris Davis presented the green flag to Trump at just after 1:20 p.m. ET. Trump then completed an honorary lap of the 1.7-mile circuit in the presidential motorcade with First Lady Melania Trump—a rare joint public appearance.
The race route circles Pennsylvania Avenue, the National Archives, the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument. D.C. officials anticipated approximately 140,000 spectators throughout the day.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and House Speaker Mike Johnson were among the prominent figures from the administration and Congress at the event. Eric Trump, the president's son, was also spotted near the race grid.
Trump told Fox News the turnout exceeded expectations. "This turned out to be much bigger than we ever thought possible," he said, noting that bridges were closed due to demand.
IndyCar owner Roger Penske pursued a D.C. race for more than two decades. Trump claimed Penske had made 211 attempts over 20 years before the deal came together. "When he came to see Trump it got done in 15 minutes," Trump said.
Twenty-five drivers competed in the race, including series champion Alex Palou and Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist. The circuit totaled approximately 250 miles, with cars reaching speeds of 180 mph.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix capped America's 250th Anniversary celebrations this summer, following a UFC event at the White House and the Great American State Fair.
