The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is coming to the nation's capital this weekend, marking the first time an IndyCar race will take place on the National Mall. The event will take place Aug. 22-23. Practice and qualifying races are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, followed by the main race on Sunday, Aug. 23. The race is one of the signature events commemorating the country's 250th anniversary, according to DC250. "The event will feature world-class racing set against the backdrop of iconic landmarks, including the Washington Monument and the US Capitol," the DC250 website states. Here's a breakdown of the events taking place both days.
Saturday schedule
8 a.m. ET: Public gates open 9:05 a.m. ET: NTT INDYCAR Series Practice 1 10:40 a.m. ET: IROC Practice 11:25 a.m. ET: Joint NTT INDYCAR + IROC autograph sessions 12:25 p.m. ET: IROC Practice 2 1:05 p.m. ET: NTT INDYCAR Series Practice 2 3 p.m. ET: IROC Race 1 4 p.m. ET: IROC Race 2 4:30 p.m. ET: IROC post-race ceremonies 5 p.m. ET: NTT INDYCAR Series qualifying
Sunday schedule
8 a.m. ET: Public gates open 9:15 a.m. ET: NTT INDYCAR Series warm-up 11:30 a.m. ET: NTT INDYCAR Series pre-race activities 12 p.m. ET: Cars to grid 12:20 p.m. ET: Driver introductions 1:05 p.m. ET: Drivers start your engines 1:10 p.m. ET: Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, DC 3:40 p.m. ET: NTT INDYCAR Series post-race ceremonies
Who is planning the race? IndyCar will administer the race in conjunction with the America 250 Task Force, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Executive Office of the Mayor of the District of Columbia, according to the DC250. Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is this weekend. See schedule