Weeks before the Freedom 250 Grand Prix hits the streets of Washington DC, organizers announced a major change to help celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States.
Spectators going to the Aug. 23 race in DC will now get 18% more action, as 22 laps were added to the race.
Why did they make the change — and what can spectators expect for what's being called a "once-in-a-lifetime" race? Here's what to know.
Why did they make the Freedom 250 Grand Prix longer?
The grand prix is going from 125 laps to 147 laps, meaning the race will now be 250 miles.
"With America celebrating 250 years of freedom and innovation in 2026, it is only fitting that the Freedom 250 Grand Prix will be a true 250-mile race," Bud Denker, Chairman of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, said in a press release. "The additional laps
will create even more opportunities for strategy, on-track action and late-race drama while giving our fans extra value and even more opportunities to enjoy this historic event."
It's likely that because of the added race length, drivers will have to make an extra pit stop, which means teams will have more decisions to make about fuel strategies and tire management for the 1.70-mile course.
What is the Freedom 250 Grand Prix?
IndyCar drivers participating in the Aug. 23 race will pass the Washington Monument, National Mall and Smithsonian museums 147 times as they navigate the 1.70-mile, 7-turn course.
Pennsylvania Avenue, Independence Avenue, 3rd Street, 7th Street and 9th Street will all be used for the race, which two-time IndyCar Series champion Josef Newgarden said "is unlike any other street race we've seen."
The window to request free tickets has closed, with organizers expecting 250,000 spectators over the two days.
Organizers said the race will be broadcast on FOX. Coverage begins at 11:30 a.m., with the race set to begin at 1 p.m.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Major change made to Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington DC
