Trump takes starring role at Washington's IndyCar debut

AFP | Washington

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

US President Donald Trump rode a ceremonial lap in his armored limousine and waved the green flag to start Sunday's IndyCar race through the streets of Washington, capping celebrations of America's 250th birthday.

Trump, who created the Freedom 250 Grand Prix by executive order for the United States anniversary commemoration, had a prime view of the 250-mile (400km) spectacle as open-wheel cars roared past iconic landmarks at speeds up to 185 mph (298 km/h).

"It has turned out to be bigger than we ever thought possible," Trump told race telecaster Fox. "The track is wonderful."

American Kyle Kirkwood won his seventh career IndyCar race after two hours 40mins, 42.9548secs, beating Denmark's Christian Lundgaard by 3.09 seconds with Australian Will Power third.

"You can't even put it into words. This is incredible," Kirkwood said. "I'm almost in tears. This is a big moment for us. A big moment for America."

Trump greeted IndyCar series owner Roger Penske, 89, and the seven Indianapolis 500 winners in the field of 25 before the 147-lap event began, telling the racers, "Good luck, do well, have fun."

"Roger told me they had been trying to do it for 20 years and when Trump came along they got it done," the 80-year-old president said.

Power was stunned to meet Trump, saying "Shaking President Trump's hand, it was pretty crazy."

"For me from a small town in Australia to be talking to an American President is surreal... then getting behind the wheel and racing."