The INDYCAR Freedom 250 course revealed: seven turns, view of the Capitol

Washington, DC — INDYCAR drivers are known for focusing on the track ahead of them, but there will be plenty for them – and fans – to watch during their Aug. 23 race in the nation’s capital. Federal, city and INDYCAR officials announced plans for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix course, a 1.66-mile, seven-turn circuit with a start and finish line on 3rd Street with the U.S. Capitol (less than a half-mile away) in the background. The number of laps of the race remains to be determined. Cars will head north on 3rd Street and turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue, where pit lane will also be located. The 0.4 mile front section along Pennsylvania Ave. will then require drivers to turn left onto 9th Street and make their way through the National Mall. They will take a left on Constitution Avenue, then a right on 7th Street to Independence Avenue, where they will turn left on Maryland Street to 3rd Street. The course will include the National Gallery of Art, the National Archives and the Smithsonian. The National Mall area will be open and free to fans. “This track is unlike any other street race we’ve seen,” said Josef Newgarden, two-time INDYCAR champion and current series points leader, in a press release. “You have a high-speed stretch on Pennsylvania Avenue that will reward commitment and precision, mixed with technical turns around 9th Street that will demand respect.” [MORE INDYCAR: 4 Takeaways From Josef Newgarden’s Win at Phoenix] Construction of the course will begin this summer and roads are expected to remain open and accessible most of the time during construction. Washington-based live event production company Harbinger will coordinate logistics and the fan experience. Monumental Sports & Entertainment, owner of the Washington NHL, NBA and WNBA teams, will oversee marketing, sponsorships and corporate hospitality. The event was made possible by an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, which allows for expedited permitting and all work necessary to complete the course. “America’s story is one of vision, courage, perseverance and speed,” said U.S. Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley, President Trump’s representative for the 250th anniversary of the United States. “What better way to showcase our exceptional American spirit than by bringing the Grand Prix to our nation’s capital on our 250th anniversary.” The race, like all INDYCAR events, will be televised on FOX. This will be the 15th race on an 18-race calendar. “This is so much more than just another sporting event on the calendar,” Eric Shanks, CEO and executive producer of FOX Sports, said in a press release. “This is a unique opportunity to celebrate the creativity, ingenuity and competitive spirit that helped build America. “The Freedom 250 Grand Prix, set to take place on a monument-filled course in the heart of Washington, DC, will be the centerpiece of the celebrations honoring our nation’s 250th anniversary. FOX Sports is incredibly proud to help bring this historic moment to fans across the country. »