Trump takes starring role at Washington’s IndyCar debut

The US president waved the green flag to start the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on Sunday, capping celebrations of America’s 250th birthday

US President Donald Trump rode a ceremonial lap in his armoured limousine and waved the green flag to start Sunday’s IndyCar race through the streets of Washington, capping celebrations of America’s 250th birthday.

Trump, who created the Freedom 250 Grand Prix by executive order as part of the United States anniversary commemoration, had a prime view of the spectacle as open-wheel cars roared past iconic landmarks at speeds up to 298 km/h (185mph).

“It has turned out to be bigger than we ever thought possible,” Trump told race telecaster Fox. “The track is wonderful. I want everyone to be safe and the people to have a good time.”

Trump greeted IndyCar series owner Roger Penske, 89, and the seven Indianapolis 500 winners in the field of 25 before the 147-lap event began, telling the racers, “Good luck, do well, have fun.”

“Roger told me they had been trying to do it for 20 years and when Trump came along they got it done,” the 80-year-old president said.

The race was expected to draw roughly 200,000 spectators, officials said, ‌and tickets were free. Passes to private trackside clubs sold for US$5,000.