The National Gallery of Art has conducted a safety study regarding the potential impact of vibrations from the Freedom 250 IndyCar race in Washington, D.C. The race, scheduled for August 23, will feature cars racing on a 1.7-mile course through downtown, reaching speeds of up to 185 mph. Concerns have been raised by preservationists about the effects of high speeds and vibrations on the historic infrastructure and art housed in nearby museums.
A spokesperson for the gallery stated that the investigation led to measures aimed at ensuring the safety of staff, visitors, collections, and facilities during the race, though specific details were not disclosed. The spokesperson also noted that the study did not indicate any risks to the structural integrity of the gallery building. The Smithsonian Institution confirmed that its artifacts would not be affected by the race.
Penske Corporation, which owns IndyCar, has funded a road resurfacing project to ensure the racecourse meets safety standards. The event has generated significant interest, with 288,000 ticket requests received after 100,000 free tickets were made available to the public.