Washington: US President Donald Trump is set to headline a first-of-its-kind auto race through the streets of Washington on Sunday, capping celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.The IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix will take drivers through the heart of the capital, passing iconic landmarks including the National Mall, the US Capitol, Pennsylvania Avenue and the National Archives.Organisers expect the event to attract around 200,000 spectators, with general admission tickets available free of charge. Premium trackside club passes have been sold for as much as US$5,000.Trump is expected to take an honorary lap around the circuit in his motorcade before waving the green flag to start the 250-mile (402-kilometre) race.The event is the latest in a series of high-profile sporting spectacles promoted by Trump during his second term, following a mixed martial arts event at the White House, a FIFA World Cup trophy presentation and the nationally televised Patriot Games for high-school athletes.A pit crew prepares an IndyCar for the qualifying race ahead of Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race in Washington D.C., U.,S. REUTERSRace organisers said drivers could reach speeds of up to 185 mph (298 km/h) on the Pennsylvania Avenue straightaway.To accommodate military flyovers linked to the event, authorities will temporarily suspend air traffic at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for three hours on Sunday. Several major roads in downtown Washington will also be closed for security and crowd-management measures.The race has faced criticism from some quarters. An original proposal would have routed the track through the grounds of the US Capitol, but the plan stalled after requiring congressional approval. Organisers later adopted an alternative route that avoided Capitol grounds.Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the event reflects both the country's automotive heritage and the celebrations surrounding America's 250th anniversary.An IROC car passes the U.S. Capitol following a race ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar series race in Washington D.C., U.,S. REUTERSThe Freedom 250 Grand Prix has attracted sponsorship from major companies including Boeing, Starlink and Delta Air Lines, marking one of the most prominent motorsport events ever staged in the US capital.
