2026 INDYCAR Freedom 250 Takes Place in Washington, D.C.

The inaugural INDYCAR Freedom 250 Grand Prix is currently taking place on the streets surrounding the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The race is being broadcast live on FOX and FOX One, with the green flag set for 1:13 p.m. ET.

Alex Palou is starting from the pole position, with Kyle Kirkwood next to him on the front row. The top five starters also include Scott McLaughlin, Christian Rasmussen, and Marcus Armstrong. Pre-race coverage began at 11:30 a.m. ET, and the race is expected to cover 147 laps over a distance of approximately 250 miles.

This event marks the first INDYCAR race held on the streets of Washington, D.C., and it features a temporary circuit that runs along Pennsylvania Avenue, passing notable landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument. Palou currently leads the season standings with 542 points, and he has the opportunity to clinch the championship today if his lead increases significantly.