President Trump to lead IndyCar Freedom 250 pre-race ceremony in Washington

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are slated to attend the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on Sunday, watching the IndyCar race as it travels through downtown Washington, including a segment on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House. Before the start, the couple will lead the traditional pre-race kickoff from the presidential limousine, according to U.S. Ambassador Monica Crowley, who serves as the administration’s liaison to the event organizers.

The race, part of the nation’s 250th-birthday celebrations, will feature open-wheel cars reaching speeds of up to 200 mph as they navigate a circuit that passes several of the city’s monuments. Organizers also plan a pre-race show and military aircraft flyovers, similar to those held for the July Fourth festivities.

IndyCar series owner Roger Penske, a longtime associate of Trump, helped bring the event to the capital. Bud Denker, president of Penske Corporation and chair of the race, said Penske is financing the majority of the project, including track construction and road improvements, while the District of Columbia is covering some repaving work. More than 200 manhole covers are being welded to prevent them from being dislodged by the race cars.

"Their beautiful cars are going to make freedom roar. This will be a freedom that’s roaring like never before," Trump said at the White House earlier this month while promoting the event.

The race follows other high-profile activities the president has staged this year to mark the semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence, such as a UFC bout on the White House lawn, a large July Fourth fireworks display on the National Mall, and a headline appearance at a state fair.