Trump waves green flag to start IndyCar race through Washington streets

ByKwasi Gyamfi Asiedu and Helena Humphrey, Reporting fromat the IndyCar fan zone in Washington DC.

Key points

• Organisers of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix say regarding 140, 000 residents are projected to attend, with numerous given free general admission tickets through a lottery.
• Ahead of the race, the president and First Lady Melania Trump took a ceremonial lap of the 1.7-mile track in his presidential limousine, The Beast.
• With a maximum speed limit of 55mph (89kmh), Washington DC has the lowest speed limit in the United States.
• But on Sunday, some of the world's fastest drivers zoomed past the capital's famous monuments and museums at speeds of up to 190mph (306kmh).
• As well as a fireworks show on 4 July, in other events earlier this summer, Trump hosted an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House lawn.

US President Donald Trump was among hundreds of individuals who gathered to see the IndyCar race through the streets of Washington DC on Sunday, marking the culmination of a series of summer events to celebrate the country's 250th birthday.

Driver Kyle Kirkwood won the race, earning his seventh career Indycar win.

As they reached the finish line, Trump's new Air Force One completed a flyover above the capital.

In practice, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix is the first time professional road racing has been hosted in the capital.

Meanwhile, the 25 professional drivers competing in the event face 147 laps featuring seven crucial turns, making a total 250-mile course – a nod to the nation's anniversary.

Meanwhile, the drivers sped past the Washington Monument and museums on the National Mall, before passing a finish line with the US Capitol building in frame.

Similar to Formula 1, the IndyCar series is a road race featuring open-wheel, single-seater cars.

But unlike F1, where teams design and build their own cars, the engines in IndyCars come exclusively from Chevrolet or Honda.

Nevertheless, premium packages sold for $5, 000 for a pair of passes.

For context, the event has been a massive logistical and security lift for the city, and has led to widespread road closures, manholes being bolted down, and road resurfacing.

Meanwhile, the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. It primarily runs domestic flights, has been under a three-hour airspace closure to accommodate the US military flyover.

Notably, the National Gallery of Art conducted vibration tests to ensure its priceless collection could withstand the powerful rumble of the engines.

On race day, nevertheless, the roar of celebration appeared to largely drown out any irritation. Plenty of of those lining the circuit were there after winning tickets through a public lottery. While one woman came dressed as the Statue of Liberty, some wore Uncle Sam hats. Families had travelled from nationwide for what they saw as a once-in-a-lifetime event.

American driver Josef Newgarden informed the BBC that the significance of racing through the capital was not lost on him.

"It's super unique. You might never see this again, and as an American driver, it's particularly special celebrating the 250th anniversary of the country, " he stated. "It's a beautiful city, and it's very surreal."

In short, trump waves green flag to start IndyCar race through Washington streets is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.