World Cup energy carries into Freedom 250 Grand Prix as global fans celebrate America’s historic birthday
America has been heavily criticized from the political left, whether from citizens or politicians. Our nation has also received relentless condemnation from foreign citizens around the world, especially over the last decade. There seemed to be a shift during the World Cup, though. Fans from all over the world had the ability to experience the beauty of the United States of America through our unique culture, landscape, patriotism, hospitality and more. It was the best PR campaign I’ve ever seen for our nation. Now, with the Freedom 250 Grand Prix IndyCar race in Washington, D.C., fans from all over the world are flocking to our nation’s capital and expressing that same love and respect we heard during the World Cup.
The first practice session of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix weekend got undeway on a damp track around the National Mall. (Photo by Mike Kropf/Getty Images)
While walking through the National Mall, with the United States Capitol building in the background peeking over the top of the grandstand, I spoke with multiple fans who had nothing but great things to say about America and the work Trump and his administration put in to make this race a reality. They urged their nations to take notes on how well America celebrates its history and brings people together through sports.
A fan who lives “right by the track” in Silverstone, England, told me, “D.C. is one of my favorite cities. So much history,” and went as far as saying, “I love America. It’s a beautiful country and beautiful people.”
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IndyCar drivers (from left) David Malukas, Felix Rosenqvist, and Alex Palou visited the White House this week. (Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg)
My follow-up was, “Isn’t it a little weird to say how much you love America being from the UK?”
He chuckled and said, “Yeah, but [America] 250. I won’t live to see another 250 [years of America], but it’s cool to see this one celebrated.” He went on to compliment how well America celebrates its history, saying, “The UK is a much older country, but we don’t celebrate our history like you guys. You guys preserve it and look after it, and that’s really respectable.”
Attendees gather in the Air National Guard Fan Zone during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. (Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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I also spoke with other European fans, including one man in an Erling Haaland jersey. He explained how events like the World Cup and now the Freedom 250 Grand Prix showcase “how great the country is and the people.”
No one expressed the beauty of how sports can transcend political divisiveness and bring a nation and the world together better than the fan from England, though. He said, “There are a lot of bad things in the world. Celebrate the good things. Celebrate unity and family and sport. It’s a great blessing we’ve got.”
Drivers participate in an NTT INDYCAR SERIES Freedom 250 practice session on Aug. 22, 2026, in Washington, D.C., as part of the yearlong celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. (Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Amen.
I’ve always said that sports have the ability to bring us together better than any other outlet. An event like the Freedom 250 Grand Prix can and is doing just that. Whether you were lucky enough to get a ticket to attend the race or you’re watching from home, whether you’re an American or not, enjoy the majestic backdrop of historic American buildings and monuments like the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol building as these drivers take every turn and accelerate down straightaways.
Spectators watch an NTT IndyCar practice run during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. The event is expected to draw 140,000 people per day and generate more than $200 million for the city. (Bloomberg via Getty Images)
America is a beautiful place and this race will showcase the best of it.
