Kyle Kirkwood wins Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, DC

Aug. 23 (UPI) — Kyle Kirwood won the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on Sunday after he led for most of the race in downtown Washington, DC.

The race, which was held to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S, 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.

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wrote in the presidential limousine in an honorary lap 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.

Kyle Kirkwood performs a burnout after winning the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar Series race in Washington, DC on Sunday. Photo by David Tulis/UPI