It featured the most scenic and picturesque views, flyovers from every branch of the military, President Donald Trump driving the race course in The Beast for a ceremonial lap, American flags and music all over the streets of Washington, D.C.I spoke with fans about their experience and it told me one thing: This is how sports should be."I think it's really unique," an IndyCar fan told me on the National Mall.
"Being at the [United States] Captiol for the 250[th birthday] and racing, it doesn't get too much better than that."Many of the fans attending felt the same thing: An overwhelming sense of pride in America.Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump ride in The Beast during a military flyover at the NTT INDYCAR Series track in Washington, D.C., on Aug.23, 2026.
Trump established the Freedom 250 Grand Prix weekend as part of the yearlong celebration of America's 250th anniversary.(Getty Images)WORLD CUP ENERGY CARRIES INTO FREEDOM 250 GRAND PRIX AS GLOBAL FANS CELEBRATE AMERICA'S HISTORIC BIRTHDAY"I feel like there's a lot of controversy on both [political] sides, but there's a lot of pride [in America]," that same fan told me.If any of you readers have followed my work for OutKick or online, you know I cover a lot of political and cultural controversies.
I've covered the WNBA heavily over the last month in the wake of Sophie Cunningham's comments on wanting women's sports to remain female, so it's refreshing to come to a sporting event that isn't pushing any sort of divisive politics.The fans I spoke to, echoed how refreshing that is.A fan that traveled from out of town told me, "In motorsports, everyone comes together and they just enjoy the sport.
You don't see that in other American sports."Fans watch as The Beast with President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump drives on the track of the NTT INDYCAR Series on Aug.23, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Trump established the Freedom 250 Grand Prix weekend as part of the yearlong celebration of America's 25...