The Freedom 250 Grand Prix makes history as the first auto race held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Leading up to the event, our own Kelsey Nicole Nelson of “Listen In With KNN” spoke exclusively with IndyCar driver Marcus Ericsson during a fan meet-and-greet at Chevy Chase Automotive’s Acura dealership in Bethesda, Maryland, ahead of the race.
Singing hats and meeting fans, Ericsson spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming race this weekend in Washington, D.C., August 22-23.
Ericsson first debuted with Sauber for the 2015 season. Since then, Ericsson has earned four career wins and 11 podiums.
“It’s great to be out here in the community before the race this weekend. We’re all super excited to be here in D.C.” said Ericsson.
Ericsson will be representing Acura in the race. “This is an opportunity for us to get people who don’t normally watch IndyCar racing and see how exciting it is,” said Ericsson. “It’s going to be a great show. This is the one to watch. It’s going to be something completely different than anything else.”
Acura debuted in America on March 27, 1986, as the first Japanese luxury car brand. Ericsson becomes the newest IndyCar Series driver to hold primary branding from Acura as the car maker takes over his No. 28 Andretti Global Honda ahead of the 250 Grand Prix.
Ericsson spoke to Nelson about how he plans to prepare before the race and what he expects to get onto the track for the first time: “It’s gonna be a long race. The track itself is a very short track, narrow with walls. It’s gonna be a lot of concentration for those two to three hours we’re gonna race,” said Ericsson.
Because the track is new, racers face the hurdle of unfamiliarity with the terrain, but Ericsson explains that a crucial step in preparation is walking the track first to get a feel for what to expect on race day.
“The slightest mistake might end your race, so it’s going to be a really mental challenge,” Ericsson said.
President Donald Trump is expected to attend the race, which Ericsson sees as a great show of support to racers and fans.
“The support we have from the president and everyone else to make this happen is huge for us as a sport. We are all super excited about it,” said Ericsson.
Fans can watch the race live on FOX and stream it on FOX One on Sunday, August 23, starting with a pre-race show at 11:30 a.m. ET.
*Our team will be providing race day coverage with reporter Kelsey Nicole Nelson and photographer Joy Washington.
Digital and Editorial Summer intern for Listen in with KNN.