Trump to Kick Off IndyCar Race in 'The Beast' Before 200 mph Dash Through DC

WASHINGTON (AP) — For once, things will move quickly in Washington, D.C. The nation's capital hosts its first IndyCar race through city streets on Sunday. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump will attend the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. The open-wheel cars will race along Pennsylvania Avenue, near the White House, at speeds approaching 200 mph. "Their beautiful cars are going to make freedom roar," Trump said earlier this month. "This will be a freedom that's roaring like never before." Before the race, Trump and his wife will lead the traditional kickoff in the presidential limousine, known as "The Beast." U.S. Ambassador Monica Crowley, Trump's liaison to the organizing group America250, confirmed the plan on Fox Business Friday. The race marks the latest celebration of America's 250th birthday. Trump has already hosted a UFC fight on the White House lawn, military flyovers, a massive July Fourth fireworks show, and a Great American State Fair. The events share a common theme: spectacle, Americana, and power. Sunday's festivities also include a prerace show and military aircraft flyovers. The race comes as Trump faces political pressure. He has struggled for nearly six months to resolve a conflict with Iran. That war has driven up gasoline prices. Some Republicans worry voters see the president as distracted from cost-of-living concerns ahead of November's midterm elections. Trump has increasingly focused on the ceremonial side of the presidency. Last month, he presented the World Cup trophy to Spain and lingered onstage with the team. An executive order Trump signed earlier this year called the race "quintessentially American." It said the event will "showcase the majesty of our great city" as drivers navigate a track around national monuments. IndyCar series owner Roger Penske, a longtime Trump friend, helped bring the race to Washington. Penske received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump in 2019. Penske is paying for most of the race, including building the track and road improvements. The District of Columbia handled some repaving. Workers welded more than 200 manhole covers shut so the cars don't suck them off the road. Sunday's event is also a chance for Trump to show how he's changing the capital. His mark includes large banners with his face on government buildings, a new White House ballroom, a gold-decorated Oval Office, and repairs at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.