IndyCar Freedom 250 Race Packs Washington D.C. National Mall

Washington D.C. hosted its first IndyCar race, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, on Sunday, drawing large crowds to the National Mall.

President Donald Trump waved the green flag to start the event, which was the final major activity planned for the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations. Drivers raced on Pennsylvania Avenue near the U.S. Capitol building. IndyCar driver Graham Rahal responded to criticism from Senator Adam Schiff regarding the race's cost. Schiff had tweeted that Trump was offering the spectacle of an IndyCar race while people struggled with gas costs, calling it more taxpayer money spent on his self-aggrandizing distractions.

Rahal countered that the Penske Corporation covered almost the entire cost of the race, with the exception of security. He stated the event was privately funded and brought thousands of people to the D.C. area, contributing to economic impact. Some spectators expressed disappointment, according to BBC News. IndyCar president Doug Boles suggested the Freedom 250 might be a one-off event.