INDYCAR Freedom 250 to make history with first race on National Mall
The inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix will bring open-wheel racing to Washington, D.C., as Àlex Palou seeks to extend his championship lead on a temporary street circuit.
The 2026 INDYCAR season is set to reach a new milestone with the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix, scheduled for Sunday, 23 August. The event marks the first automobile race held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., introducing a temporary street circuit that runs along Pennsylvania Avenue. The seven-turn layout, which passes the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument, measures 1.7 miles in length.
According to Fox Sports, the race is scheduled for 147 laps, covering approximately 250 miles. With no defending winner for this new venue, the championship standings remain the primary focus. Àlex Palou enters the weekend leading the 18-race season by 133 points over Kyle Kirkwood, with four races remaining. Palou holds 542 points, while Kirkwood trails with 409, followed by David Malukas, Christian Lundgaard, and Pato O'Ward.
Marcus Ericsson arrives in Washington as the most recent race winner, having secured victory at the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham on 16 August. The championship race is broadcast on FOX and FOX One, with pre-race coverage commencing at 11:30 a.m. ET. The main race broadcast begins at 1 p.m. ET, with the green flag scheduled for 1:13 p.m. ET, though times are subject to change.
Practice and qualifying sessions will take place on Saturday, 22 August, with coverage available on FOX Sports networks. Fans can also stream the event and select practice, qualifying, and warmup coverage on FOX One, which offers three days of free access to select content. The broadcast team includes Will Buxton, with analysts Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe providing insights from the track.
Chris Myers will host the special pre-race coverage alongside Hélio Castroneves and Danica Patrick. Reporters Kevin Lee, Georgia Henneberry, Jack Harvey, and Jamie Little will provide updates from pit road. The event represents a significant expansion for the series, bringing high-speed motorsport to a prominent political and historical site in the United States.
The Freedom 250 is expected to draw significant attention as the series continues its 2026 campaign. The temporary circuit presents unique challenges for drivers navigating the tight turns around the National Mall landmarks. As the season progresses, the outcome in Washington could be pivotal in determining the final standings for the championship title.
