Washington DC, Aug. 23 -- US President Donald Trump traded the White House for the racetrack, waving the green flag to kick off the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, DC, on Sunday (local time), Fox News reported.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump took an honorary lap around the 1.7-mile (2.74 km) track in the presidential motorcade, known as the Beast, as IndyCar fans cheered. Trump was also seen speaking with some of the drivers before returning to the Beast.

Asked by FOX Sports what he was looking forward to most during his first IndyCar race, Trump said, "Just that everyone's safe and they have a good time. I want everyone to be safe. I want everyone to have a good time."

He added that he had told the drivers, "Good luc...