Donald Trump waved the green flag to start an IndyCar race through the streets of Washington on Sunday, in front of hundreds of spectators gathered along a temporary circuit laid past the capital's monuments and museums. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix closes a run of events staged through the summer to mark the country's 250th birthday. Kyle Kirkwood won, taking his seventh career IndyCar victory.
What was the setting?
Washington has the lowest speed limit in the United States, at 55mph. On Sunday drivers reached up to 190mph on the same streets, the BBC reported. Organisers laid a 1.7-mile course, and the event was expected to draw around 140,000 people on each day of the weekend.
Had the city hosted anything like it?
Not recently, and not in this form. The Grand Prix is the first time professional road racing has been held in the capital, and the first major auto race there in more than 24 years.
What did the president do?
Ahead of the start, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump took a ceremonial lap of the circuit in the presidential limousine, The Beast. As they reached the finish line, his new Air Force One flew over the capital. The first lady, interviewed at the event, described how her father introduced her to racing, and used the appearance to talk about her foster care initiative.
How did spectators find it?
Mixed. Some told the BBC they could not actually see any cars go past from where they were standing. The broadcaster had sent a correspondent, Helena Humphrey, to take a test drive of the circuit before the race weekend, when the projected top speed was put at 180mph.
Figures referenced: Donald Trump. — JudgeMarket.
