US President Donald Trump has arrived at the IndyCar race through the streets of Washington DC, which marks the culmination of a series of summer events to celebrate the country's 250th birthday. The president and First Lady Melania Trump took a ceremonial lap of the 1.7-mile track in his presidential limousine, The Beast.
As they reached the finish line, Trump's new Air Force One completed a flyover above the capital. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is the first time professional road racing has been hosted in the capital.
Some of the world's fastest drivers will race past the capital's monuments and museums at speeds of up to 190mph (306kmh). The 25 professional drivers will compete in 147 laps featuring seven turns, making a total 250-mile course, a nod to the nation's anniversary. Organisers expect about 140,000 people to attend, with many receiving free general admission tickets through a lottery.
The event has involved significant logistical and security efforts for the city, including widespread road closures, bolted-down manholes, and road resurfacing. The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport also experienced a three-hour airspace closure for the US military flyover.