Trump kicks off IndyCar's Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington
The Associated Press reports the president will bring the armored limousine onto the track for a prerace event.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump kicked off the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington on Sunday, leading a slow lap around the course in the presidential limousine before Trump waved the green flag to start the race.
The open-wheel race sent cars whizzing past Washington's monuments at speeds approaching 200 mph, including a stretch along Pennsylvania Avenue. It is the latest of Trump's celebrations marking America's 250th birthday, after a UFC fight on the White House lawn, military aircraft flyovers, a July Fourth fireworks show, and a Great American State Fair.
“I'm going to make a little circle in a nice, secure car, slightly slower than the ones we're going to witness, but we're going to have fun,” Trump said in an interview on Fox before the ride. Air Force One, escorted by four fighter jets, flew overhead during the lap, and tenor Christopher Macchio performed the national anthem. A trained bald eagle was released near the start line.
Race series owner Roger Penske, a longtime friend of Trump's who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019, helped lead the effort to bring the race to Washington. Trump told Fox that Penske said he had been trying for 20 years: “When he came to see Trump it got done in about 15 minutes.” House Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox News Channel he wants to bring the event back next year and make it annual. Penske Corporation president Bud Denker said Penske is paying for the “vast majority” of the race, including building the track and road improvements.
The Associated Press reported from Washington.
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