Meyer Shank Racing Set for Historic Freedom 250 in Nation's Capital

Pataskala, Ohio (Aug. 19, 2026) – Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) heads to the nation’s capital this weekend for the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. The historic event will bring INDYCAR racing to the National Mall for the first time as part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The new 1.7-mile temporary street circuit will provide one of the most iconic backdrops in motorsports, taking the 25-car field past landmarks including the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, National Air and Space Museum, and more. The circuit also features a 0.4-mile stretch along Pennsylvania Avenue as drivers tackle 147 laps (249.9 miles) through the heart of Washington, D.C.

MSR enters the weekend looking to rebound from a challenging inaugural street race in Markham, Ontario, where Marcus Armstrong battled from 24th to 16th, and a fuel pump issue ended Felix Rosenqvist’s afternoon early. Washington is the third of five consecutive race weekends for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Rosenqvist is already familiar with the nation’s capital after helping promote the Freedom 250 Grand Prix earlier this summer, including a July visit to the White House alongside fellow INDYCAR drivers. The Swede has eight career top-five finishes and three podiums on street circuits, highlighted this season by a pole and runner-up finish at Long Beach. Rosenqvist heads into the weekend eighth in the championship and will pilot the No. 60 Texas A&M University Honda which run a special livery in DC. 

Armstrong arrives in Washington eager to put a challenging stretch of races behind him.The New Zealander has seven career top-ten finishes on street circuits, including a podium at Detroit in 2023. Armstrong will pilot the No. 66 REMAX Honda. MSR looks to add to its street-course record of two poles, one podium and 16 top-ten finishes.

The 147-lap Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. takes the green flag Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX, with INDYCAR Radio providing live coverage on SiriusXM Channel 218. FOX’s pre-race coverage begins at 11:30 a.m. ET, while qualifying airs Saturday at 5:00 p.m. ET on FS2.

Meyer Shank Racing Driver Quotes:

Marcus Armstrong: "Going to be a long race around the capital streets and making it to the checkered flag could be a workout. However, the track may not be that challenging in its design, so some unknowns on how we’ll fare. But hoping it will be an action-packed race for the fans and viewers. This event is awesome for the Series and will be a great weekend celebrating the 250th."

Felix Rosenqvist: "Always fun with new tracks. I love the challenge of figuring out a brand new layout. This might also be the only time ever we run this track, so would make it even more special if we bring home a trophy!"