The inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix will now live up to its name.
INDYCAR officials announced that the National Mall race will expand from 125 to 147 laps, creating a true 250-mile event for the Aug. 22-23 race weekend in the nation’s capital.
The extended distance adds nearly 18% more racing to the 1.7-mile, seven-turn street circuit, which winds past national landmarks, surrounds the National Mall, and features a sweeping stretch down Pennsylvania Avenue.
Beyond honoring the country’s semiquincentennial, the longer distance forces a shift in team strategy. Officials expect the 250-mile format to require an extra pit stop, creating more room for varied fuel tactics, tire management, and passing.
“With America celebrating 250 years of freedom and innovation in 2026, it is only fitting that the Freedom 250 Grand Prix will be a true 250-mile race,” said Bud Denker, event chairman. “The additional laps will create even more opportunities for strategy, on-track action and late-race drama.”
The free, two-day festival marks the first time the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will race on the National Mall. General admission tickets were distributed earlier this year through a random drawing, assigning fans to either the “Stars” or “Stripes” viewing sections.
The weekend also features the return of the International Race of Champions series, pairing active drivers with motorsports legends in two 20-minute heat races Saturday afternoon.
FOX Sports will cover the event flag-to-flag across its networks, culminating in Sunday’s main broadcast.
Weekend Schedule (All Times Eastern)
Saturday, Aug. 22
- 9–10:30 a.m.: INDYCAR Practice 1 (FS1)
- 11:10–11:30 a.m. & 12:10–12:30 p.m.: IROC Practice
- 1–2:30 p.m.: INDYCAR Practice 2 (FS2)
- 3 p.m. & 4 p.m.: IROC Heat Races (20 min. each)
- 5–6:30 p.m.: INDYCAR Qualifying (FS2)
Sunday, Aug. 23
- 9–10 a.m.: INDYCAR Warmup Show (FS1)
- 11:30 a.m.: Pre-Race Show (FOX)
- 1 p.m.: Freedom 250 Grand Prix — 147 Laps (FOX)
