IndyCar drivers revved their engines and tore up Pennsylvania Avenue Saturday as they prepared to meet in competition in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Cars were roaring through the 1.7-mile track carved out of streets in downtown Washington, DC, as a tune up for Sunday’s race — on a track that runs by the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall and within sight of the Capitol building.
President Trump, who signed an order calling for an Indy car race in DC, is set to drive the course in his armored limo “the Beast” on race day.
He will also wave the green flag at the start of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in recognition of the nation’s 250th birthday, said Bud Denker, president of the Penske Corp., which is organizing the race.
Drivers will speed through 147 laps, and are expected to top 170 mph while handling tight corners on the city’s streets.
First lady Melania Trump, who also appeared at the White House this week to support the race, is expected to join the president in the viewing stands.
More than 100,000 fans are expected to attend.
Organizers built barricades and welded down manhole covers in an effort to protect citizens and infrastructure. Meanwhile, city residents were forced to navigate road closures for weeks while the track was being constructed.
The race features luxury suites sponsored by Delta, Gulfstream and Verizon that were going for $250,000, plus “Champions Club” members paying $5,000 for viewing with good sightlines.
Denker said others sponsoring the race include Boeing, SpaceX and Starlink.
Organizers offered free tickets by lottery in June, and flyovers were planned for Sunday. Race time is set for 1:10 p.m.
