Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Kirkwood Gives Freedom 250 an American Winner in Washington
Kyle Kirkwood won a major IndyCar race in Washington.
The race was called the Freedom 250 and was part of a celebration of the country's 250th birthday.
Kirkwood led most of the race and finished just over three seconds ahead of Christian Lundgaard.
His Andretti Global teammates Will Power and Marcus Ericsson finished third and fourth.
President Donald Trump waved the green flag to start the race.
Several drivers crashed, causing caution periods.
Alex Palou, who started from pole position, had several problems and finished 20th.
Kirkwood's victory reduced Palou's lead in the championship standings.
Kyle Kirkwood won the Freedom 250 on downtown Washington streets.
Kirkwood led 128 of 147 laps and finished 3.09 seconds ahead of Christian Lundgaard.
Will Power and Marcus Ericsson finished third and fourth for Andretti Global.
Pole winner Alex Palou finished 20th after a drive-through penalty, a loose tire and a spin.
The race featured multiple crashes, including incidents involving David Malukas, Sting Ray Robb and Scott McLaughlin.
- Who
- Kyle Kirkwood won, with Christian Lundgaard, Will Power and Marcus Ericsson also among the top finishers.
- What
- Kirkwood won the Freedom 250, his second IndyCar victory of the season.
- When
- Sunday.
- Where
- On the streets of downtown Washington, finishing in front of the U.S. Capitol.
- Why
- The race was organized as part of the country's 250th birthday celebration.
- Winner
- Kyle Kirkwood
- Winning margin
- 3.09 seconds ahead of Christian Lundgaard
- Laps led
- 128 of a possible 147 laps
- Other podium finishers
- Christian Lundgaard, Will Power and Marcus Ericsson
- Pole winner
- Alex Palou, who finished 20th
- Championship standings
- Palou's lead over Kirkwood fell from 133 points to 91, with three races remaining
- Race distance
- 250 miles