The first practice session of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix weekend got undeway on a damp track around the National Mall.(Photo by Mike Kropf/Getty Images)While walking through the National Mall, with the United States Capitol building in the background peeking over the top of the grandstand, I spoke with multiple fans who had nothing but great things to say about America and the work Trump and his administration put in to make this race a reality.
They urged their nations to take notes on how well America celebrates its history and brings people together through sports.A fan who lives "right by the track" in Silverstone, England, told me, "D.C.is one of my favorite cities.
So much history," and went as far as saying, "I love America.It’s a beautiful country and beautiful people."INDYCAR STAR ALEX PALOU REFLECTS ON WHITE HOUSE, OVAL OFFICE VISIT WITH TRUMP: 'INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE'IndyCar drivers (from left) David Malukas, Felix Rosenqvist, and Alex Palou visited the White House this week.
(Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg)My follow-up was, "Isn't it a little weird to say how much you love America being from the UK?"He chuckled and said, "Yeah, but [America] 250.I won’t live to see another 250 [years of America], but it’s cool to see this one celebrated." He went on to compliment how well America celebrates its history, saying, "The UK is a much older country, but we don’t celebrate our history like you guys.
You guys preserve it and look after it, and that’s really respectable."Attendees gather in the Air National Guard Fan Zone during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Aug.22, 2026.
(Bloomberg via Getty Images)AMERICA'S 250TH BIRTHDAY EVENTS TAKING PLACE THIS SUMMER CALLED 'ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME' TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIESI also spoke with other European fans, including one man in an Erling Haaland jersey.He explained how events like the World Cup and now the Freedom 250 Grand Prix showcase "how great the country is and the people."No one ...