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

American IndyCar driver Graham Rahal expresses excitement about competing in Freedom 250 Grand Prix.

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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Graham Rahal (15) of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing stands on pit lane during NTT IndyCar Series PPG Armed Forces Qualifying - Day 2 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Ind., on May 17. (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

"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.

Graham Rahal of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda poses for an official photo after qualifying for the NTT INDYCAR Series Indianapolis 500 on May 17, 2026, in Indianapolis, Ind. (Lumen via Getty Images)

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"We’re excited. Can’t wait