How to Watch 2026 INDYCAR Freedom 250: Start Time, Date, TV Channel, Streaming, Schedule

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The 2026 INDYCAR season heads to Washington, D.C., for the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.. The race airs Sunday, Aug. 23 on FOX and FOX One, with practice and qualifying coverage beginning Saturday on FOX Sports networks.

Marcus Ericsson enters the weekend after winning the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham on Aug. 16. Àlex Palou leads the championship standings by 133 points over Kyle Kirkwood with four races remaining. Here is how to watch the Freedom 250, including the start time, TV channel, streaming information and complete weekend schedule.

How to Watch the 2026 INDYCAR Freedom 250

Expanded pre-race coverage begins at 11:30 a.m. ET on FOX and FOX One. The race broadcast begins at 1 p.m. ET, with the green flag scheduled for 1:13 p.m. ET. Broadcast times are subject to change.

2026 INDYCAR Freedom 250 Weekend Schedule

All times Eastern.

Saturday, Aug. 22

Practice 1: 9 a.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
Practice 2: 1 p.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)
Qualifying: 5 p.m. ET (FS2, FOX One)

Sunday, Aug. 23

Warmup: 9 a.m. ET (FS1, FOX One)
Pre-Race Coverage: 11:30 a.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)
Freedom 250: 1 p.m. ET (FOX, FOX One)

Where Is the 2026 INDYCAR Freedom 250?

The Freedom 250 takes place on a temporary street circuit around the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The course runs along Pennsylvania Avenue and passes landmarks including the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument.

The seven-turn circuit is 1.7 miles long. The race is scheduled for 147 laps and approximately 250 miles.

Is This the First INDYCAR Freedom 250?

Yes. The 2026 Freedom 250 is the inaugural INDYCAR race on the Streets of Washington and the first automobile race held on the National Mall. There is no defending race winner.

Who Is Leading the INDYCAR Championship?

Palou enters Round 15 of the 18-race season with 542 points. Kirkwood is second with 409 points, followed by David Malukas with 405, Christian Lundgaard with 403 and Pato O’Ward with 385.

Palou can clinch the championship in Washington only if his lead grows to at least 163 points after the race.

Who Are the Freedom 250 Announcers?

Will Buxton will call the Freedom 250 alongside analysts Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe. Kevin Lee, Georgia Henneberry, Jack Harvey and Jamie Little will report from pit road.

Chris Myers will host the special pre-race coverage with Helio Castroneves and Danica Patrick beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Who Won the Most Recent INDYCAR Race?

Marcus Ericsson won the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham on Aug. 16. Watch the full highlights from the most recent NTT INDYCAR SERIES race below.