US President Donald Trump joined hundreds of onlookers on Sunday to watch the IndyCar race tearing through the streets of Washington DC, marking the grand finale of a summer-long celebration of the nation's 250th birthday. Because what better way to honor the Founding Fathers than with the smell of burning rubber?

Trump and First Lady Melania took a ceremonial lap of the 1.7-mile track in his presidential limousine, The Beast, before his new Air Force One completed a flyover above the capital as they reached the finish line. Because subtlety is so last century.

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is the first time professional road racing has been hosted in the capital, a city where the maximum speed limit is 55mph (89kmh) - the lowest in the United States. But on Sunday, the world's fastest drivers zoomed past the Washington Monument and museums on the National Mall at speeds up to 190mph (306kmh), presumably making rush hour look like a leisurely stroll.

The 25 professional drivers faced 147 laps featuring seven crucial turns, making a total 250-mile course - a nod to the nation's anniversary. Because nothing says 'Happy Birthday, America' like 147 laps of sheer adrenaline.

Similar to Formula 1, the IndyCar series is a road race featuring open-wheel, single-seater cars. But unlike F1, where teams design and build their own cars, the engines in IndyCars come exclusively from Chevrolet or Honda. Because even in racing, America prefers a good old-fashioned duopoly.

Organizers expect about 140,000 attendees, with many scoring free general admission tickets through a lottery. However, premium packages sold for $5,000 for a pair of passes, because nothing says 'grassroots celebration' like a five-grand ticket.

The event has been a logistical and security nightmare for the city, with widespread road closures, bolted-down manholes, and road resurfacing. The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which primarily runs domestic flights, has been under a three-hour airspace closure to accommodate the military flyover. The National Gallery of Art even conducted vibration tests to ensure its priceless collection could withstand the powerful rumble of the engines. Because art and machinery have always been the best of friends.

On race day, however, the roar of celebration drowned out any irritation. Many lining the circuit had won tickets through a public lottery, with some wearing Uncle Sam hats and one woman dressed as the Statue of Liberty. Families traveled from across the country for what they saw as a once-in-a-lifetime event. Because nothing brings Americans together like the chance to see cars go vroom.

American driver Josef Newgarden told the BBC that racing through the capital was 'super unique' and 'very surreal,' adding, 'You might never see this again, and as an American driver, it's very special celebrating the 250th anniversary of the country.' Indeed, almost as special as the time Trump hosted an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House lawn earlier this summer, followed by a fireworks show on 4 July. Because what's a birthday without a little mixed martial arts?