Trump opens IndyCar race in Washington
US President Donald Trump on August 23 started the IndyCar Freedom 250 race in Washington, dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the United States. It was a race of an unprecedented format on the streets of the US capital: the route ran along the National Mall, past the Capitol, down Pennsylvania Avenue and by the National Archives.
Before the start, the presidential motorcade completed a ceremonial lap of the circuit. Trump waved the green flag from the presidential box, officially starting the 402-kilometer race. According to Channel NewsAsia, officials expected about 200,000 spectators. Tickets for the event were free, while access to private clubs along the route was sold for $5,000.
Restrictions in the capital
For military flyovers as part of the event, officials suspended air traffic at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for three hours at midday. The flyovers included a Boeing 747 often used as Air Force One, as well as an aircraft resembling a B-2 stealth bomber.
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Police closed major streets in the city center due to heavy pedestrian traffic and security measures. Organizers said that Washington's roads would not require significant repairs before or after the race. They expected cars to be able to reach speeds of up to 298 km/h on the Pennsylvania Avenue straight.
Route change
The circuit was initially planned to run through the Capitol grounds, but the plan required lawmakers' approval and did not advance in Congress. Advertising is prohibited on the Capitol grounds, so race cars with numerous corporate sponsors and advertising structures along the circuit would have conflicted with these rules.
Trump then signed an executive order instructing Transportation Department officials to develop a route that would not require congressional approval. Grand Prix chairman and Penske Corp president Bud Denker said the event had dozens of corporate sponsors, including Boeing, SpaceX's Starlink and Delta Air Lines.
