(The Center Square) - Drivers will hit the streets this weekend for the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C as part of more than $90 million in taxpayer funds spent over the past year in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
The race will feature 147 laps along a 1.7 mile, seven-turn course on the National Mall with drivers expected to race up to 185 miles per hour, according to Penske President Bud Denker, an organizer of the event.
Denker said he expects 140,000 people to attend each day. Saturday is set for the qualifying race and the main event will take place on Sunday.
The race itself is set to cost $35 million. Roger Penske and the Penske Corporation are helping to cover the costs. Denker praised the condition of the city’s roads and said Penske would be responsible for covering costs associated with potential damage.
“If something happens during the race, we’re responsible for fixing your roads and after the race as well too,” Denker said.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the District Department of Transportation will be tasked with road repairs related to the race and will be reimbursed by Penske. However, Denker said roads do not often need repairs after IndyCar races due to the light weight of the cars.
The starting line for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix can be seen along the National Mall in Washington, D.C, Aug. 21, 2026. The race is set to take place over the weekend in the nation's capital. Photo: Andrew Rice / The Center Square
Officials also highlighted the safety measures needed to secure the area. The U.S. Park Police, U.S. Secret Service and Metropolitan Police Department will be deployed to secure the area and monitor safety. The whole MPD force will be deployed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to monitor security in the nation's capital. The MPD did not confirm to The Center Square the cost of any overtime payments.
President Donald Trump will attend the race on Sunday. The Emergency Planning and Security Fund was allocated $90 million from Congress to handle events throughout the city in 2026.
Public safety officials rated the event a SEAR 1, which represents the highest risk and importance level on the ranking scale.
“There will be lots of seen and unseen countermeasures deployed throughout the city to make sure that this goes off without a hitch,” said Matthew Quinn, deputy director of the U.S. Secret Service.
Public safety officials, including Quinn, warned of harsh penalties for individuals who attempt to fly drones near the vicinity of the race track. The FBI Washington Field Office said violators of the drone policy could face fines upward of $100,000.
The FBI foiled a planned attack in June on a UFC event held at the White House that was supposed to involve drones.
“We want the public to know that they need to leave their drones at home,” said Phillip Bates, special agent in charge at the FBI’s Washington field office. “This is a no-fly zone 365 days a year.”
Bowser said she wants to host more sporting events throughout the nation’s capital. She pointed to the $800 million renovation of Capital One Arena, where concerts and sports are held in D.C., and the proposed renovation of an NFL football stadium within the city limits by 2030.
“We have spent 12 years leaning into our sports and entertainment economy and it's a part of our economy that’s operating very well,” Bowser said. “D.C. is a place for world class sporting events.”