In a unique spectacle, race cars reached speeds of up to 200 miles per hour in Washington, D.C., on August 23, as the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix was held to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence.
According to reports from Reuters and AFP, President Donald Trump participated in the event, taking a ceremonial lap around the circuit in his presidential limousine, 'The Beast,' and waving the starting flag.
The race course, approximately 2.7 kilometers long, circled iconic landmarks around the National Mall, totaling 250 miles over 147 laps.
In preparation for the high-speed event, 200 manhole covers were welded down, and the nearby National Gallery of Art took measures to protect its collections from vibrations. It is reported that Roger Penske, who owns IndyCar, covered the event's costs, estimated between $20 million and $30 million.
With the usual speed limit in downtown Washington set at 35 miles per hour, around 300,000 spectators gathered along the course. A celebratory flyover featured a private jet gifted to Trump by Qatar and a U.S. B-2 stealth bomber.
This event was part of a series of activities organized by Trump to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, which also included large fireworks displays and a UFC event at the White House.
While the event marked a significant national milestone, critics argue that Trump is using the occasion to bolster his political image. The Associated Press noted that Trump is commemorating 250 years of American history in a manner that he deems 'grand.' Reuters reported that the event comes as Trump's approval ratings have hit a low during his second term, amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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