IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix distance increased to 250 miles

IndyCar announced that the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix will run 147 laps instead of the originally planned 125, extending the race to a full 250‑mile distance. The change commemorates the United States' 250th anniversary and will be staged on Sunday, 23 August 2026 on a 1.7‑mile, seven‑turn street circuit through Washington D.C., including Pennsylvania Avenue and the National Mall. Organisers say the extra laps will add roughly 18 % more on‑track action and require an additional pit stop, forcing teams to adjust fuel and Firestone tyre strategies. Bud Denker, president of the Freedom 250 event, said the longer race better honors the milestone. FOX, IndyCar’s exclusive broadcast partner, will expand its live coverage, beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET.