On Sunday, the streets of Washington DC were set aglow for an IndyCar race that carried a mix of excitement and frustration for local observers.

Republican president Donald Trump joined hundreds of fans, praising the event’s energy on a live feed.

But the promise of high‑speed action fell short for many spectators. Video footage and reader comments indicated that several corners of the circuit remained off‑limits, making the cars invisible to crowds in key districts.

Social media reactions ranged from supportive to sharply critical, with comments such as the following: There were no cars at all—only empty streets.

In the BBC coverage, reporters highlighted the limited openings, noting that the event’s logistical plan had not anticipated complete visibility for all fans.

The day’s outcome underscored a wider issue: bringing motorsport to a growingly congested and emblematic city can challenge traditional race‑field design and spectator experience. Future events will likely revisit route planning to ensure fans can actually see the cars.