Kyle Kirkwood wins Freedom 250 IndyCar race through Washington

Downtown Washington was transformed into an IndyCar racetrack as drivers sped past some of the nation's most recognizable monuments and museums during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.

(NBC)- Downtown Washington was transformed into an IndyCar racetrack as drivers sped past some of the nation’s most recognizable monuments and museums during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.

Cars reached speeds of up to 180 miles per hour on the street course, which stretched through the heart of the nation’s capital and included a section of Pennsylvania Avenue between the Capitol and the White House.

Organizers took precautions to protect priceless works of art inside nearby museums from vibrations caused by the race.

Weeks of preparation and a massive security operation accompanied the event, forcing nearby roads and restaurants to close and creating traffic backups for blocks.

The event began with military flyovers and an appearance by a bald eagle. President Donald Trump also took a lap around the course in the presidential limousine before waving the green flag to start the race.

Trump said the event turned out to be “much bigger than we ever even thought possible.”

American driver Kyle Kirkwood, 27, ultimately took the checkered flag.

“You can’t even put it into words,” Kirkwood said following his victory. “This is incredible.”

The race almost did not happen in its eventual location. Congress pushed back on an original course surrounding the Capitol before Trump signed an executive order allowing organizers to move forward with plans for the 250-mile race through the city.

The Freedom 250 was held as part of celebrations surrounding America’s 250th anniversary year.