The FAA will suspend flights at Reagan National Airport during IndyCar’s inaugural 250-mile Washington, D. C. street race on Aug. 23.
IndyCar’s inaugural Washington, D. C. race will force an extraordinary operational change, as the FAA plans to suspend flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport during the event.
A rare disruption for racing
The temporary shutdown, reported ahead of the Aug. 23 Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D. C., stems from the new street circuit’s location near some of the most tightly controlled airspace in the United States.
IndyCar’s schedule has the race starting at 11:30 a. m. ET on the Streets of Washington. It marks the second event in a new urban doubleheader, one week after the Aug. 16 Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham.
D. C. distance adds another test
The Washington event has been extended to a full 250-mile race, setting up another long afternoon of strategy for teams immediately after Markham.
The distance puts extra focus on fuel windows, caution timing and work in the pits. Teams have little previous knowledge of either circuit because Markham and Washington are both new to the 2026 calendar.
Palou arrives in control
Alex Palou enters the two street races with 510 points following his Aug. 9 victory at Portland. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver has recorded six wins and six poles in 13 starts, building a 110-point championship lead.
Kyle Kirkwood ranks second with 400 points, while David Malukas is eight points behind him. Christian Lundgaard has 375, and Pato O'Ward holds fifth with 355.
Palou has topped the standings after 42 of the past 45 races.
Street races give the chasers hope
The change in venue may create an opportunity for Kirkwood, whose only 2026 win came at the Arlington street circuit on March 15. Palou has already won street races this season at St. Petersburg, Long Beach and Detroit.
His championship advantage leaves rivals needing major points swings rather than occasional victories. Five races remain, with Malukas 118 points behind and Lundgaard trailing by 135.
Two new cities come first
Before IndyCar arrives in Washington and faces its unusual aviation restrictions, the field will race at Markham at noon ET on Aug. 16.
The series heads straight to the capital for the Aug. 23 race, then travels to the Milwaukee Mile for a doubleheader on Aug. 29 and 30.
