Freedom 250 Grand Prix Wins New Fans Over the Weekend
By • August 24, 2026 0 621
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix took over downtown D.C. this weekend. While some were not exactly happy about race cars zooming by museums and causing road closures, the well-organized event is getting thumbs up even from those who are less than impressed by the president’s choice of an urban street race for America’s birthday.
The Pit Zone on Pennsylvania Avenue. Photo by Robert Devaney.
The checked flag went to winner Kyle Kirkwood, who led most of the race on Sunday.
Organizers of the one-of-a-kind event say that roughly 215,000 people turned out to the 1.7-mile race course last weekend. There are some political leaders in D.C. and in Congress who want to do it again next year.
For those Washingtonians who knew little about IndyCar or NASCAR racing, the up-close event was a revelation and a lot of fun. Still, all the military and police presence was a little jarring. At a few intersections there were more uniformed personnel than civilians.
Among the many people we met was Lana Keroson Oksnee, a member of a fan club called Elite IndyCar — an Indy fan for 41 years.
She gave The Georgetowner her take on the weekend: “I was excited when they announced a street race around the historic buildings in our nation’s capital. But do they have enough time? Oh, Sec of Transportation Sean Duffy and Freedom 250 Grand Prix Chairman Bud Dinker are in charge. They can make it happen. Tickets will be free? How will this work no assigned seating? Two sections: Stars or Stripes. I won three weekend tickets for the stripes section.
“I took the Metro: easy. Hotel shuttle dropped me off at Union Station on Thursday. There was no signage about The Race and how to get to the stripes & stars areas.
Photo by Bill Starrels.
“Being very patriotic, I loved the military bands and flyovers and the live bald eagle was special, too. Seeing the Commander-in-Chief and first lady was impressive. I felt safe with lots of U.S. Marshalls and Secret Service around.
“However, the venue needed more seating and big screens. The track was my first street course so wasn’t quite sure how it was going to all come together. It was tight in some places. I was not impressed with what reminded me of a county fair sized grandstand, not somewhere celebrating Americas 250th anniversary. Merchandise was very pricey at $50 for an event t-shirt or cap. Not enough food choices on Sunday.
“As for the winner, I was rooting for an American to win this race. There were eight American drivers. A 27-year-old from Florida did win! Kyle Kirkwood who had done well on street courses was on the podium today!
“Before the start of the race was my weekend favorite thing. The one and only Mario Andretti took a selfie with me. I had goosebumps and a smile that lasted the rest of the day! And that, my friends, is IndyCar racing.”
Photo by Bill Starrels.
