# Trump FIRES UP IndyCar Crowd With Honorary Lap Around Washington Track Ahead of Freedom 250

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump hit the track in the Beast as cheering fans welcomed them ahead of the historic race

President Donald Trump made a dramatic entrance at the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, taking an honorary lap around the temporary street circuit alongside first lady Melania Trump.

The president and first lady rode through the 1.7-mile track in the presidential limousine, known as "The Beast," as thousands of racing fans cheered the motorcade.

Trump was expected to wave the green flag to officially launch the race after meeting with several drivers before returning to the Beast.

Asked by FOX Sports' Jamie Little what he was most looking forward to, Trump kept his message simple.

"Just that everyone's safe and they have a good time," Trump said. "I want everyone to be safe. I want everyone to have a good time."

Trump also told the drivers, "Good luck, have fun."

Trump brings presidential spectacle to IndyCar

The appearance comes during a massive weekend of racing in the nation's capital, with IndyCar and the International Race of Champions series taking over Washington as part of celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary.

The Freedom 250 is set to feature drivers racing for 147 laps around a 1.7-mile circuit winding through the heart of Washington, near the U.S. Capitol and National Mall.

The event is expected to deliver one of the most unusual spectacles in American motorsports, combining high-speed IndyCar racing with the backdrop of the nation's capital.

Championship leader starts from pole

Álex Palou entered Sunday's race as the championship leader after a dominant 2026 season that included six victories.

Palou held a 133-point advantage over Kyle Kirkwood and a 137-point lead over David Malukas heading into the race.

With Trump preparing to wave the green flag and the field lined up in the shadow of the Capitol, the Freedom 250 is shaping up to be a uniquely American racing spectacle.