Trump waves green flag to kick off Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington DC

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump traded the White House for the racetrack, waving the green flag to kick off the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, DC, on Sunday (local time), Fox News reported.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump took an honorary lap around the 1.7-mile (2.74 km) track in the presidential motorcade, known as the Beast, as IndyCar fans cheered. Trump was also seen speaking with some of the drivers before returning to the Beast.

Asked by FOX Sports what he was looking forward to most during his first IndyCar race, Trump said, “Just that everyone’s safe and they have a good time. I want everyone to be safe. I want everyone to have a good time”. He added that he had told the drivers, “Good luck, have fun.”

President Donald Trump waves the green flag and the Freedom 250 is underway!@realDonaldTrump | @POTUS pic.twitter.com/gjbOMLhvDU

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) August 23, 2026

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is being held in Washington, DC, as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The 1.7-mile (2.74 km) circuit runs near the US Capitol and around the National Mall, with drivers scheduled to complete 147 laps.

Alex Palou (Spanish racing driver) started the race from pole position and entered the event leading the IndyCar standings after securing six wins during the 2026 season, Fox News reported. Palou, who had previously visited the White House for the unveiling of the track course, called the experience of meeting Trump and visiting the Oval Office “Incredible.”

“Honestly, that’s the only word that comes to mind. I remember the visit we did a month ago when I got invited to the White House. I was like, ‘Really? For real?’ I was going to be able to go inside and just see how the Oval Office is, and just knowing the history that it has,” Palou said.

He added, “I know I’m not from this country, but this country has given me so much. Just the opportunity to be here as an IndyCar driver, a winner, a champion, and to create a family and build a family here in the US. It’s been incredible.”

Kyle Kirkwood conquers the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. pic.twitter.com/mD5Rr8dQ8d

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) August 23, 2026

Palou also recalled a lighter moment from his White House visit, saying the drivers were sprayed with Trump’s cologne. “Just being able to be with the President and his team, being at the Oval Office. We got sprayed with Presidential cologne, which was pretty funny,” he said. “Just an incredible experience. An experience I’ll be able to tell not only my kids, but hopefully one day my grandkids and stuff,” Palou added.

The IndyCar and International Race of Champions (IROC) series were in Washington over the weekend as part of the celebrations surrounding America’s 250th anniversary, according to Fox News. (ANI)