Felix Rosenqvist stands on the verge of possibly the most unique event of his career – and arguably in INDYCAR history – as the stage is set for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. right in the heart of the American capital.
Taking place as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations this weekend, the race in D.C. is the first of its kind, bringing racing cars roaring past some of the most iconic landmarks in the USA.
See: Washington, D.C. track map
Circling the National Mall and screaming past the U.S. Capitol, a temporary street track measuring 1.7 miles (2.7 km) has been formed for the occasion, giving the NTT INDYCAR SERIES a whole new level of attention usually not seen outside the blue-riband Indianapolis 500.
“I always enjoy going to new tracks,” says Felix Rosenqvist, who won the ‘500 earlier this year and targets another historic success this weekend. “I love the challenge of figuring out a brand new layout. This may also be the only time we run this track, so it would make it even more special being the one to bring the trophy home.”
Referencing the semiquincentennial celebrations, Sunday’s race will see a mammoth duration of 147 laps to equal 250 miles (402 km). It makes the Washington, D.C. event by far the longest street course race of the season, sitting well above the 191 miles (307 km) of the Grand Prix of Arlington in second place.
Add in weather forecasts predicting temperatures above 30°C (90°F) on race day, and the 25 drivers are up for a significant challenge in Round 15 of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
“It is going to be such a long race,” Felix Rosenqvist continues. “There are so many unknowns going into D.C., and that’s what makes it so exciting. The track itself, the duration of the race, all the strategy windows that will throw up – the weather. It will be hard work behind the wheel and on the pit stand, but we’re feeling ready for it.”
Rosenqvist’s No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda will sport a Texas A&M maroon livery for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, bringing back a look previously seen this year at the Grand Prix of Arlington.
Running gets underway on the capital streets on Saturday for two practice sessions and qualifying. A 30-minute warm-up session will open up accounts on Sunday, with the race then following suit in the early afternoon.
TIME TABLE
All times local (U.S. Eastern)
NTT INDYCAR SERIES | Rd. 15
Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.
Streets of Washington (USA)
Saturday August 22
Practice 1: 9:05-10:30 am
Practice 2: 1:05-2:30 pm
Qualifying: 5:00-6:30 pm
Sunday August 23
Warm-up: 9:15-9:45 am
Race (147 laps): 1:10 pm
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS: view here
TIMING: INDYCAR App / indycar.com
EVENT INFO: view here
HOW TO FOLLOW: view here