President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump participated in a ceremonial lap around the track before the start of the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. on Sunday. The couple was inside the presidential limousine, known as the Beast, as they traveled around the track prior to the race’s commencement.
IndyCar fans greeted the motorcade with enthusiasm, cheering as Trump completed his lap. The President was also set to wave the green flag marking the official start of the race.
During the event, President Trump met with drivers and team members before returning to the Beast. Fox Sports’ Jamie Little asked him what he anticipated from his first IndyCar race. President Trump expressed the hope that everyone would have a safe experience and enjoy themselves, wishing the drivers good luck.
The event was part of a weekend filled with racing, including the International Race of Champions (IROC) series. Both came to Washington, D.C. to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The long-awaited race was scheduled to commence at 1 p.m. ET on a 1.7-mile circuit taking drivers past landmarks like the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall. They aimed to complete 147 laps.
Álex Palou was positioned on pole for the race, leading the standings with six season victories. He held a 133-point advantage over Kyle Kirkwood and was 137 points ahead of David Malukas.
Preparations for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix took place on August 20, 2026, in Washington, D.C. as it marked its debut in the NTT IndyCar Series. Álex Palou had joined the track unveiling earlier this year, expressing amazement at meeting the President in the Oval Office.
“Incredible,” said Palou about his White House visit. “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.”
Though not originally from the U.S., Palou appreciated the opportunities he received in the country as an IndyCar driver and champion, embracing the chance to build a life and family. He also humorously recalled a moment when he was inadvertently sprayed with the president’s cologne.
Palou spoke of the uniqueness of being with the President and described the experience as memorable, jokingly mentioning the encounter with Presidential cologne. He looked forward to sharing such stories with future generations.