What to know about the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, Trump’s capital car race

Washington, DC – Over the next two days, a portion of the United States capital will transform into a seven-turn professional-grade track for the city’s first-ever IndyCar race.The Freedom 250 Grand Prix, championed by President Donald Trump, is one of several special events held to commemorate the country’s 250th birthday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3America250: How the US heatwave will affect Fourth of July celebrationslist 2 of 3A politically charged holiday: The US celebrates its 250th anniversarylist 3 of 3White nationalists march on Washington DC ahead of Freedom 250 celebrationsend of listBut the race, which has been billed as a means of “celebrating American greatness”, is not coming without a heavy dose of criticism.Questions have been raised about potential disruptions to life in the capital, as well as Trump’s ties to the event’s sponsor, the transportation company Penske.Here’s what you need to know about the weekend’s automobile tournament:President Donald Trump speaks at the White House during a showcase for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix auto race in Washington, DC [File: Alex Brandon/AP]Why is this taking place?In January, Trump signed an executive orde...