IndyCar driver Graham Rahal reflects on opportunity to compete at Freedom 250 Grand Prix: ‘Iconic moment’

Graham Rahal will be one of about two dozen drivers who will be speeding through the streets of Washington, D.C., on Sunday at the Freedom Grand Prix 250.

Rahal reflected on the opportunity to take part in the race as the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary. He was among those who spoke at the IndyCar Grand Prix Media Preview on Thursday afternoon.

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“As an American, this is an iconic moment,” Rahal said. “Obviously, this sport is a very international feel to it in many ways as well. That has always been part of the fabric of open-wheel racing, in particular IndyCar racing, but to be able to come race in the U.S. capital, right in front of Capitol Hill, to drive down Pennsylvania Ave., these are all things as a young kid growing up in this country, some of the first things you learn is the value of those names. To be here, to have the red, white and blue on the car this weekend, all of friends and folks that are coming, military people that we’ve worked with and supported over the years, means a lot.

Rahal said he was itching to get on the track.

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“We’re excited. Can’t wait to see the track, because I’ve seen parts, but to be able to go around the whole thing including to be able to go out there, race and compete for this trophy right here this weekend.

“I’ve tried to hold myself back a little bit. The energy inside is a little bit more than what I’m gonna show.”

The fun begins Saturday morning when IndyCar holds its first practice session at 9 a.m. ET. The second session begins at 1 p.m. ET and qualifying starts at 5 p.m. ET. The first practice session can be seen live on FS1 with the latter events broadcasting on FS2.

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On Sunday, IndyCar drivers begin their warm-ups at 9 a.m. ET with the green flag dropping at 1 p.m. ET. The warm-up will be broadcast on FS1 with the race taking place on FOX.