Kirkwood wins first Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington DC

The streets of Washington DC were transformed into a racetrack this weekend for the first professional motorsport event in the city's history. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix, part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States, saw 25 drivers race 147 laps around a 1.7 mile circuit wrapping past the US Capitol, the National Mall and other landmarks.

President Donald Trump waved the green flag to start the race, and later took a victory lap in his armoured limousine. The event, which he had championed as a key part of the anniversary, attracted tens of thousands of spectators each day, with official estimates of around 100,000 on race day.

The circuit was a demanding one: 200 manholes were welded shut, the road was resurfaced, and drivers navigated seven tight corners at speeds of up to 190 miles per hour. The race distance was extended from the usual for a street course to 250 miles, matching the anniversary theme. For many drivers, this was a new and uncertain challenge. As two-time IndyCar champion Joseph Newgarden put it, "Super unique, you might never see this again."

Among the drivers, the mood was one of excitement and caution. Mario Andretti, the former F1 and IndyCar champion, told the BBC that the course offered both fun and serious demands. "You have to have that sort of calculated aggression," he said. "You have to be aggressive to be competitive, but it has to be more calculated."

From the first practice session to the final lap, the event drew huge attention. The race itself saw several incidents, including a collision between Armstrong and Rasmussen. But at the front, a clear winner emerged. Kyle Kirkwood, driving for Andretti Global, crossed the finish line first. He had taken the lead from Grozier in a bold move and controlled the final laps. Kirkwood later said: "This is one of the biggest race wins that I've ever had, maybe the biggest."

The race was not without controversy. Some residents questioned the cost of the event, saying the money could have been spent on education and healthcare. Others embraced the spectacle as a fitting tribute. "I think it is going to be a great weekend and one that we'll remember," one spectator said.

The event also served to promote the sport. Newgarden, who has won the Indianapolis 500, hoped the race would attract new fans. "I think an event like this will bring people back to IndyCar racing," he said. "It is a once-in-a-lifetime type deal."

Kirkwood's win was a popular one, and not only because he was the home favourite. He had been out of the headlines for a while, and the victory on such a historic day made it special. The race was the final major event of the country's 250th anniversary celebrations, and it went off without a major incident.