On Sunday, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix was held in Washington, D.C. As someone who enjoys car racing, I think it was amazing. The formula one cars are awesome to watch.
On Sunday, The Daily Caller posted an article detailing some of the planning that went into the race.
The article reports:
For the first time ever, some of the streets of downtown Washington were transformed, albeit temporarily, into a racetrack as it hosted the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, which included competitions for both IndyCar and the recently resurrected International Race of Champions (IROC). The races, organized by the Trump administration-linked Freedom 250, was the latest Washington-based celebration planned in honor of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
…Patriotism indeed appeared to be the theme of the weekend-long extravaganza which featured two ticketed — but at no cost — viewing areas on each side of the track aptly named “Stars” and “Stripes.” Concession stands — which did feature priced menu offerings — likewise bore names including “Red White & BBQ,” “Freedom Grill,” and “Checkered Faves,” with the latter being a nod to the flag race officials wave to signal a victor. Queueing guests also waited their turn to pose in front of the life-size “FREEDOM 250” and “USA 250” signs set up on the Mall.
“Freedom doesn’t ring, it revs,” declared a large sign visible on a building along the direction the drivers sped.
The article notes that the preparation was extensive:
D.C. officials had to weld more than 200 manhole covers shut in order to avoid any flying away with the traffic over them going nearly ten times its usual speed, Denker said, according to The Associated Press. Nearly one in four of these manholes also required silicone fittings so the road was not too bumpy for the drivers.
Even with all the extra preparation needed for the race to take place, at least one element could not be controlled: the weather. A light drizzle, however, did not stop fans from filling the bleachers at 9:00 a.m. Saturday just to see Palou, Newgarden, and company practice on the wet pavement.
Americans need to take the time to relax and enjoy the fact the we have existed as a free country for 250 years. I think this race was a wonderful idea.