President Trump attends the Freedom 250 Grand Prix

WASHINGTON, D.C. (NBC, KYMA) - President Trump waved the green flag to kick off Sunday's Freedom 250 Grand Prix in the Nation's Capitol.

The open wheel Indy car race is taking place to mark America's 250th birthday.

The race will send drivers racing through downtown at speeds approaching 200 mph past monuments and along a stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue not too far from the white house.

The event began with the president, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, leading a slow lap in the presidential limousine through the course.

The Trump's also met and chatted with some of the race drivers, before taking in the views of flyovers and a bald eagle released near the start line.