Washington, D.C. Race Distance Increases to Full 250-Mile Test

Extending the celebration of America's 250th birthday with even more racing and strategy, INDYCAR officials today announced that the Freedom 250 Grand Prix will expand from 125 laps to 147 laps to create a true 250-mile race in just a few weeks on the streets of the nation's capital.

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will officially live up to its name on Sunday, Aug. 23, as drivers will compete on the 1.7-mile, seven-turn street circuit winding through the historic streets of Washington, D.C., past some of the country’s most iconic landmarks and around the National Mall.

The extended lap count will add nearly 18 percent more NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing action to the once-in-a-lifetime race, while introducing a new strategic challenge for teams and drivers. The now 250-mile race is expected to require an additional pit stop compared to the original race distance, creating more opportunities for varying fuel strategies, decisions on management for each car’s Firestone racing tires and passing opportunities throughout the talented INDYCAR field.

"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, Chairman of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. "The additional laps will create even more opportunities for strategy, on-track action and late-race drama while giving our fans extra value and even more opportunities to enjoy this historic event."

The added race distance also provides additional live content for FOX, INDYCAR's exclusive television partner, which will broadcast the Freedom 250 Grand Prix nationally from Washington, D.C. The 250-mile length will extend the race broadcast window, providing additional storytelling opportunities and strategies for FOX to chronicle throughout the course of the afternoon. FOX has already announced an extended Freedom 250 Grand Prix pre-race show, with coverage from Washington D.C. scheduled to begin at 11:30 am ET on Sunday, Aug. 23 and the green flag set to wave shortly after 1:00 pm ET.

Set against the backdrop of iconic American landmarks, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix will mark the first-ever NTT INDYCAR SERIES race held on the streets of Washington, D.C. The free, two-day motorsports festival will serve as a centerpiece of the nation's semiquincentennial celebration, bringing world-class racing to the heart of the nation's capital. The 1.7-mile, seven-turn circuit will feature a sweeping run down Pennsylvania Avenue and past several of Washington's most recognizable historic sites.