Photo By Sgt. Sherald McAulay | U.S. Army Soldiers with the South Carolina National Guard, assigned to Joint Task...... read more read more
WASHINGTON — Pennsylvania Avenue, normally a popular route for tourists and pedestrians visiting the White House, National Mall and monuments, was transformed into a 1.667 mile racetrack encircling the National Mall as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix conducted its two-day event, Aug. 23, 2026.
The race was announced by the President through an executive order as part of the nation’s 250th celebrations. 100,000 tickets were distributed for the event, prompting the support of federal agencies and National Guard to help provide security, traffic control and crowd-safety measures. Approximately 600 national guardsmen supported the event.
U.S. Army Capt. Nasya Hubbard, assigned to the Mississippi National Guard, served as a battle captain with the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Joint Operations Center, helping coordinate National Guard support for the Grand Prix.
“We are helping support the United States Secret Service, MPD and United States Park Police,” Hubbard said. “We are helping with traffic control points, civilian navigation, aid, cordoning the area and anything else that we can be of assistance with.”
Hubbard explained the Guard’s ability to support the event was built on daily preparation and training.
“To make sure that this mission was executed smoothly was to be in the vicinity of the area of operation so that we can respond adequately to any emergencies or any aid that we need to to help park police and our specialty agencies,” Hubbard said. “The task forces here, they work really hard on a daily basis when they're not patrolling or providing presence, patrol or aid to these specialty agencies, they’re training. So it's not just, ‘oh, we're going to go out here today and support this.’ They've been training the whole time. We've been here.”
Hubbard has been supporting DC Safe and Beautiful since September 2025 and has served in many roles and capacities.
“If we weren't confident [in our abilities], we wouldn't be here,” she adds.
During her many circulations around the Grand Prix event she witnessed soldiers interacting well with the crowds.
U.S. Army Spc. Davian Thomas, assigned to the South Carolina National Guard, was one of the many Soldiers supporting security and safety efforts during the Grand Prix.
“We control the entry points and we're watching credentials," Thomas said. "We're checking the bags, making sure everybody comes in is unarmed, and it's safe for everyone."
For Thomas, supporting the race was also a special experience because of his interest in cars and racing.
“Most tracks are well-established and have been around for years,” Thomas said. “They made this strictly for just this year. So to be here, to be able to work it, to make sure it's safe, to actually watch the race and work, it is a pretty good experience for me.”
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix initiated the first of the 250th inaugural race events in Washington, displaying American heritage and strengthening the training partnership between the Guard and federal agencies.
Thomas concludes, “Racing is always intriguing. It's exciting”
| Date Taken: | 12.31.1969 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2026 13:08 |
| Story ID: | 573044 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 30 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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