How to Watch 2026 INDYCAR Freedom 250: Start Time, Date, TV Channel, Streaming, Schedule

The 2026 INDYCAR Freedom 250, the inaugural race on the Streets of Washington around the National Mall, airs Sunday, Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. ET on FOX, with broadcast coverage starting earlier on FOX and FOX One. Practice and qualifying begin Saturday on FOX Sports networks. Marcus Ericsson enters the weekend after winning the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham on Aug. 16. In the championship, Álex Palou leads with a 133-point advantage over Kyle Kirkwood with four races remaining. Palou can clinch in Washington if his lead grows to at least 163 points after the race. The weekend schedule lists two Saturday practices (9 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET) and qualifying at 5 p.m. ET, followed by warmup Sunday at 9 a.m. ET and the 1:13 p.m. ET green flag. Will Buxton calls the race with Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe, while pit reporting includes Kevin Lee and others.