Aug. 23 (UPI) — Kyle Kirkwood won the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., on Sunday after President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump took an honorary lap to kick off the event.
Kirkwood led for most of the race in the nation’s capital, which was held to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Its route went through the National mall, down Pennsylvania Avenue and around the National Archives over 147 laps of the 1.7-mile course.
Kirkwood, one of eight Americans in the field of 25 drivers, was followed by Christian Lundgaard of Arrow McLaren. Will Power, Kirkwood’s teammate with Andretti Global came in third.
President Trump and first lady rode in the presidential limousine before the race. The president waved the green flag to begin the race, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy waved the checkered flag.
The race capped a series of events held in Washington to commemorate the country’s semiquincentennial, including a UFC event at the White House.