US 250th anniversary celebrations in central Washington

An IndyCar race, touted by US President Donald Trump as part of the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations, has kicked off in central Washington. Trump signed an executive order in January to hold the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. It is the first time the motor race is held near the National Mall.

The event is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Practice and qualifying sessions were held on Day 1. The race cars can reach speed of about 300 kilometers per hour. Many spectators gathered to watch the card dash through a course of about 2.7 kilometer     s per lap, which runs near several landmarks, including the US Capitol.