Kyle Kirkwood wins Freedom 250 Grand Prix in D.C.

Race winner Kyle Kirkwood, driver of the #27 Sam’s Club Andretti Global Honda, poses with an bald eagle after the NTT INDYCAR Series on August 23, 2026 in Washington, DC. U.S.

American IndyCar driver Kyle Kirkwood crossed the finish line in first place, claiming victory at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C.

Kirkwood, one of only a handful of American drivers in the race, quickly took the lead from Spanish driver Álex Palou and maintained the position until he crossed the finish line on Sunday.

“It felt good to dominate out there, I’m not going to lie,” Kirkwood told a Fox News reporter after the race, seemingly giving a nod to President Donald Trump. “It was a really good moment. I’m a fellow Florida guy, I live up in Jupiter. It’s cool to see him down here.”

“What an incredible place to do it, if you can’t win at the 500, this is definitely the place to win and I don’t know if we’re going to get another chance—I hope we do,” he added. “This was awesome. What a dream come true.” 

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix marks Kirkwood’s second win of the season, following an earlier victory at the Grand Prix of Arlington. The 27-year-old now holds seven career victories, six of which have been claimed on street circuits.

 

Prior to the race, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump took an honorary lap in “The Beast,” after which the president waved the green flag to start the event.

 

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy dropped the checkered flag as Kirkwood crossed the finish line.

“CONGRATULATIONS to Kyle Kirkwood for making HISTORY as the WINNER of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix!” Duffy posted to social media after the race.

Three races remain in the IndyCar season. Next weekend features a doubleheader at the Milwaukee Mile, followed by the season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on September 6^th.