Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., will take place Aug. 22-23, 2026, marking the first‑ever NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on the National Mall. The free, two-day motorsports event will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with world‑class racing set against the backdrop of some of America’s most historic landmarks, including the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, National Archives and more – a course unlike anything INDYCAR has run before.

Quick Facts

• When: Saturday–Sunday, Aug. 22–23, 2026


• Where: A 1.7-mile, 7-turn street circuit around the National Mall


• Cost: Free general admission (limited paid seating also available)


• TV: Live on FOX, Sunday, Aug. 23


• History: The first auto race ever held in the nation's capital, established by executive order in January 2026 to mark the U.S. Semiquincentennial

The Course

A 0.4-mile straightaway down Pennsylvania Avenue, framed by the Washington Monument and Capitol, anchors the circuit. Drivers also pass the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art and the National Archives — pit lane sits between Turns 1 and 2, right off the straight.

Saturday, Aug. 22: IROC Exhibition

A newly announced highlight: the legendary International Race of Champions joins the weekend, putting motorsports icons in identical 1996–2006 IROC Pontiac Firebirds. The lineup:

• NASCAR Cup champions: Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, Bobby Labonte, Rusty Wallace, Bill Elliott


• Indy 500 champions: Tony Kanaan, Helio Castroneves, Dario Franchitti

IROC drivers also host a free autograph session Saturday.

Sunday, Aug. 23: Race Day

Current NTT INDYCAR SERIES stars race the full circuit, broadcast live nationally on FOX.

For Fans

• Free fan activation zone on the National Mall (between 12th and 7th Streets)


• Big screens, concessions, live music and entertainment on the Main Stage


• Limited free tickets available for inside-track access — register at freedom250gp.com for updates
  

Admission & Ticketing

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will offer free general admission, providing open public access to the first-ever NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on the National Mall. Fans will be able to enjoy various concession options for food and beverage, on-track action displayed on numerous big screens, music and other entertainment on the Main Stage. There will be a free fan activation area on the National Mall between 12th Street and 7th Street.

In addition, a limited number of free tickets will be available for fans to access areas inside the race track. Seating inside the track will be limited and fans are encouraged to register online for ticket information and updates. In addition to limited seating, ticketed fans will be able to experience the race from multiple standing locations inside the track. Spectators are encouraged to sign up for alerts and additional details at freedom250gp.com.

Behind the Event

Organized in coordination with INDYCAR, the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Mayor's office, with Monumental Sports & Entertainment (Capitals, Wizards and Mystics) leading marketing and hospitality and DC-based Harbinger producing the fan experience.