Nbcwashington iconNbcwashingtonAug 23, 2026 ~1 min source read

Trump waves the green flag to start the IndyCar race as drivers zoom through Washington's streets

"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 shortly before the ride. The open-wheel race, with cars whizzing past Washington's monuments at speeds approaching 200 mph, is the latest of Trump's celebrations this year to mark America's 250th birthday.

Trump waves the green flag to start the IndyCar race as drivers zoom through Washington's streets

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"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 shortly before the ride.

The open-wheel race, with cars whizzing past Washington's monuments at speeds approaching 200 mph, is the latest of Trump's celebrations this year to mark America's 250th birthday.

Racing day brings out some of Trump's favorites Sunday included some of Trump's favorite flourishes.

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The useful part

"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 shortly before the ride. The open-wheel race, with cars whizzing past Washington's monuments at speeds approaching 200 mph, is the latest of Trump's celebrations this year to mark America's 250th birthday. Racing day brings out some of Trump's favorites Sunday included some of Trump's favorite flourishes.

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  • One of his favorite singers, tenor Christopher Macchio, performed, "The Star-Spangled Banner." A trained bald eagle was dramatically released near the start line, and it swooped and flew overhead before...
  • There were flyovers of military aircraft, which have boomed over the city during the July Fourth celebrations, among other events.

Details worth keeping

For once, things were moving fast in the nation's capital. Washington was hosting an IndyCar race through its streets Sunday, with President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump kicking off the Freedom 250 Grand Prix by leading a slow lap in the presidential limousine through the course.

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