Washington D.C. is hosting the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, an NTT INDYCAR SERIES race weekend, as part of the United States' 250th anniversary celebration. The event will take place on a 1.7-mile street circuit winding through the nation’s capital, including areas around the National Mall, past the U.S. Capitol, and along Pennsylvania Avenue.
Chevrolet is a prominent partner, providing the Official Pace Car, a 1,250-horsepower Corvette ZR1X capable of 233 mph, which will lead the field. The pace car features a custom Arctic White and Admiral Blue livery with stars-and-stripes graphics. Chevrolet's presence extends to providing Corvette Z06 models for hot laps, convertible Corvette E-Rays for grand marshals, and Silverado 1500 RST trucks for driver introductions. Chevrolet also has fan displays featuring various vehicles, including special "Stars and Steel 250th" editions of Corvette and Silverado, in the Stars and Stripes fan zones.
Approximately 140,000 spectators are expected to attend the race throughout the weekend, with 100,000 free tickets distributed via lottery. The event's budget is substantial, with Penske Corp. covering most costs, exceeding the $20 million budget of IndyCar's Detroit street race. An additional $90 million in congressional funding has been allocated for security. The race will feature 25 drivers competing over 147 laps, covering 250 miles, with cars reaching speeds of up to 200 mph on the track.
The course, which is 1.66 miles long with seven turns, begins on 3rd Street near the Capitol, extends down Pennsylvania Avenue, and includes turns on 9th Street, 7th Street, and Independence Avenue, passing landmarks like the Lincoln Reflecting Pool and the Smithsonian Museum. Practice and qualifying will occur on Saturday, with the main Freedom 250 Grand Prix starting at 1:10 PM ET on Sunday, broadcast live on FOX.
