IndyCar’s highly anticipated inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C is all set to take place in August. However, concerns have now been raised about the vibrations potentially affecting Washington, D.C.’s historic structures and artifacts.

Between August 22 and 23, IndyCar will take over the streets of Washington, D.C  as a part of America’s 250th anniversary. The series will race around the National Mall, passing several museums and institutions the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the U.S Constitution, and the Wright Brothers’ plane and The Spirit of St. Louis. 

The prospect of IndyCar going around these artifacts for nearly 125 laps has raised concerns. According to the report put out by Timothy Noah of the New Republic, the various museums are bracing for the impact of the Freedom 250 race. 

"Chris Abanavas, a press officer there, declined to confirm that but said in a written statement that the museum “has conducted a vibration study and based on those results will take any precautions necessary to ensure the safety of our staff, visitors, art, and facilities during the race." Timothy Noah reported on the New Republic.

Per Noah at the National Gallery, Paintings on the side of the museum facing the racetrack have been moved away.  He further noted that there is a federal section put in place against vibration-related damages. 

"Section 106 regulations do include protections against vibrations, typically from construction or buses or subways."

IndyCar can produce as much as 140 decibels of noise, which is as loud as standing next to a fighter jet during takeoff. According to studies, a noise decibel above 80 can harm certain historic artifacts. 

Although officials have stated that the necessary precautions have been taken to protect the historic artifacts, the Freedom 250 will present a unique challenge for both IndyCar and Washington’s cultural institutions. 

IndyCar and NASCAR legends all set to take over Washington before Freedom 250 

Before the IndyCar race, the iconic International Race of Champions will hit the D.C streets. 

On June 25, the Freedom 250 took to its X account to announce the race, where it was revealed that the race will be graced by racing legends from across the two American series, that is, NASCAR and IndyCar. 

"JUST ANNOUNCED: @irocofficial Presented by @chevrolet is joining the Freedom 250 Grand Prix! The legendary series puts champions from different motorsports disciplines on track to race for glory. We can’t wait to see legends race on the streets of Washington D.C., August 22 -23!"

In a post put out by the NASCAR reporter Adam Stern, he revealed that the drivers set to join IROC were Former Indy 500 champions Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan, and Dario Franchitti. They will race alongside former NASCAR Cup champions Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, Bobby Labonte, Rusty Wallace, and Bill Elliott. 

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco