2026 INDYCAR Freedom 250 Set for Washington, D.C. Debut

The 2026 INDYCAR season will feature the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, August 23. The race is scheduled to air at 1 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One, with pre-race coverage starting at 11:30 a.m. ET.

The event will take place on a temporary street circuit around the National Mall, covering 1.7 miles and consisting of seven turns. The race will run for 147 laps, totaling approximately 250 miles. Marcus Ericsson, who recently won the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy, will compete alongside championship leader Àlex Palou, who holds a 133-point advantage over Kyle Kirkwood.

Palou can secure the championship in Washington if his lead increases to at least 163 points after the race. The broadcast team will include Will Buxton, Townsend Bell, and James Hinchcliffe, with Chris Myers hosting the pre-race show.