The NTT IndyCar Series is gearing up for a distinctive street racing event in Washington, D.C., marking a special celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary. This one-of-a-kind spectacle, known as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, is anticipated to draw considerable attention, with many viewers potentially tuning into IndyCar for the first time since the Indianapolis 500, or perhaps ever.
For those new to the high-speed world of open-wheel racing, keeping track of the top talent can be challenging. To help new and returning fans get acquainted, here are five drivers who are expected to make a significant impact when the green flag drops.
Championship Frontrunners and Street Circuit Specialists
Alex Palou
Leading the charge in the No. 10 Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing, Alex Palou arrives at the D.C. street circuit as a formidable contender, a status he frequently holds. The four-time series champion and 2025 Indianapolis 500 victor currently commands the championship standings with a substantial 133-point lead.
To put that in perspective, the maximum points achievable in a single race weekend, excluding the upcoming double-header in Milwaukee, is 54 points. Palou is known for his precision and minimal errors. However, he faced a rare setback last weekend in Markham, Ontario, with a challenging qualifying session that placed him 11th on the grid. Despite this, he demonstrated his exceptional racecraft by climbing to a fourth-place finish, reinforcing his consistent threat.
Kyle Kirkwood
Hailing from Jupiter, Florida, Kyle Kirkwood, driving the No. 27 Honda for Andretti Global, holds the second position in the championship, trailing only Palou. This weekend's street circuit format is particularly favorable for Kirkwood, who has historically excelled in such environments. Five of his six career IndyCar wins have occurred on street courses, a testament to his specialized skillset.
He will undoubtedly look to leverage the same abilities that led him to two victories at Long Beach, two in Detroit, and another triumph in Arlington earlier this season. While Andretti Global has experienced a somewhat inconsistent season, marked by both highs and lows, the team recently celebrated a win with Marcus Ericsson in Markham. Kirkwood, however, endured a difficult weekend there, qualifying a disappointing 22nd and ultimately retiring from the race prematurely.
Rising Stars and Veteran Legends
David Malukas
Despite still chasing his inaugural IndyCar victory, David Malukas has delivered an impressive performance in his debut season with Team Penske, piloting the No. 12 Chevrolet. Stepping into the formidable shoes of Will Power is no easy feat, but the 24-year-old from Chicago has appeared completely unfazed by the pressure.
His consistent results have placed him third in the championship standings. While that coveted first win is undoubtedly on the horizon, securing it in the nation's capital, driving for motorsports icon Roger Penske, would be a monumental achievement – arguably surpassed only by a maiden win at the Indianapolis 500 itself.
Pato O'Ward
Pato O'Ward of Arrow McLaren is a prominent figure in the series, celebrated by fans for his exceptional talent and well-rounded driving ability across ovals, road courses, and street circuits. For years, he has been a central pillar of the Arrow McLaren team, and he is the sole driver from the current lineup confirmed to return in 2027, when Felix Rosenqvist and Scott Dixon are set to join the squad.
However, the 27-year-old from Monterrey, Mexico, finds himself currently behind teammate Christian Lundgaard in both championship points and race wins, with Lundgaard holding a 2-1 advantage. As a fiercely competitive athlete, this disparity is unlikely to sit well with O'Ward, potentially fueling a determined performance.
Scott Dixon
The six-time champion, Scott Dixon, is in a unique position as the season draws to a close and his long tenure with Chip Ganassi Racing nears its end. The legendary New Zealander faces the possibility of his first winless season since 2004.
Dixon is set to depart CGR after this season, concluding 25 years with the team, to join Arrow McLaren in 2027. Capping off such an incredible run with a final victory for Ganassi in Washington, D.C., would be a fitting farewell. Such an outcome is certainly within the realm of possibility, as the Dixon-CGR pairing has a long-standing reputation for being consistently competitive.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is scheduled to commence at 1 p.m. ET this Sunday.