Streets of Washington, D.C.

Track Info

Location	Washington, D.C.
Type	Street Circuit
Length	1.7 miles (2.736 km)
Turns	7
Surface	Temporary asphalt (city streets)
Capacity	Free admission (National Mall setting)
Opened	2026 (inaugural season)

Track Characteristics

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. is unlike anything IndyCar has ever attempted. The 1.7-mile, seven-turn circuit races on the streets surrounding the National Mall, delivering a backdrop that includes the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Archives. It may be the most visually spectacular street circuit in all of motorsport.

The sweeping 0.4-mile frontstretch along Pennsylvania Avenue is the centerpiece. Framed by the Washington Monument on one side and the Capitol on the other, it produces incredible straight-line speeds and enormous braking zones. The high-speed section rewards commitment and precision, while the technical corners around 9th Street demand respect and finesse. With just seven turns, the layout is fast and flowing, more power-circuit than technical maze.

The event is designed to commemorate America's 250th anniversary and is structured as a free, two-day motorsports festival. This bold approach - no admission fee - aims to bring IndyCar racing to the widest possible audience and cement the sport's place in the national consciousness. Racing through the heart of the nation's capital sends a powerful message about IndyCar's ambitions and its place in American culture.

Getting There

Nearest Airport	Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) - approximately 4 miles south, accessible via Metro. Dulles International (IAD) is about 30 miles west. Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) is about 35 miles northeast.
Nearest City	Washington, D.C. (the track is on the National Mall). Accessible via Metro (Smithsonian, Archives, or L'Enfant Plaza stations).

Series That Race Here

• NTT IndyCar Series - Freedom 250 Grand Prix (inaugural 2026)

2026 Event Info

Race Name	Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.
Round	15 of 17
Date	August 23, 2026
TV	FOX
Race Time	TBA
Qualifying	Firestone Fast 6 knockout format
Weekend	August 22-23, 2026 (free 2-day event)
Admission	FREE

Track Record

Note	2026 is the inaugural race - all times set will be new track records

Notable Past Races

• 2026 (Inaugural): The first-ever NTT IndyCar Series race on the National Mall. This historic event celebrates America's 250th anniversary with world-class racing set against the most recognizable landmarks in the nation.
• Formula E in D.C.: Washington previously hosted Formula E races, but IndyCar's presence on the National Mall represents a significant step up in scale and ambition for motorsport in the capital.
• Historical significance: Pennsylvania Avenue has hosted presidential inaugurations, victory parades, and national celebrations for over two centuries. IndyCar racing adds a new chapter to this iconic boulevard's history.

Track Facts

• The Freedom 250 is free to attend, making it one of the most accessible major motorsport events in the world.
• Cars will race past the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Archives on the challenging course layout.
• The 0.4-mile frontstretch along Pennsylvania Avenue is framed by the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol, creating what may be the most dramatic racing backdrop in the world.
• The event commemorates America's 250th anniversary (Semiquincentennial), tying IndyCar racing to one of the nation's most important celebrations.
• Monumental Sports (owner of the Washington Capitals and Wizards) is involved in the event's promotion, lending major sports entertainment expertise to the production.

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