Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDrivers participated in practice and qualifying rounds on Saturday ahead of the Freedom 250 IndyCar Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. The 1.7-mile race circuit runs past major landmarks including the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the National Gallery of Art. FBI Director Kash Patel reviewed security operations for the event, which is expected to attract more than 100,000 spectators. Sunday's main event will feature 25 drivers completing 147 laps at speeds reaching up to 180 miles per hour. President Donald Trump will open the race by waving the green flag and taking a ceremonial lap in the presidential limousine. In fullFreedom 250 Grand Prix Live: DC gears up for Trump’s IndyCar spectacle as CEOs and lawmakers descend for raceMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

A slice of Washington, D.C., will be transformed into an IndyCar race track this weekend for an event commemorating the U.S.'s 250th birthday.

Aug 20 : IndyCar will race through the heart of the U.S. capital this weekend, bringing open-wheel cars to a temporary circuit around the National Mall in a first-of-its-kind…

Here is a first look at what downtown D.C. looks like ahead of the race in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary.