The oohs and aahs around the 1.7-mile Washington, D.C. street circuit Saturday were matched only by the smiles on fans’ faces.

That’s the goal of bringing the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to the nation’s capital for the first time -- creating an experience that introduces new fans to INDYCAR and leaves them wanting more.

“This is amazing,” one fan said while crossing the bridge from Gate 1 into the Stripes Fan Zone. “I can’t believe this is real.”

Another said the decision to come was the best of his life.

More than 140,000 spectators were expected on-site Saturday and Sunday for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., underscoring the opportunity to reach a new audience.

“It’s a massive event for the INDYCAR SERIES commercially,” McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said. “We’ve got great fans that always love our racing, but I think this is going to bring a lot of awareness to INDYCAR for new fans. I think when they tune in, they’re going to love it.”

Fans showed up in droves Saturday and their reactions backed up Brown’s point.

Hundreds lined the fence as cars accelerated out of Turn 5 and onto the straight before charging into Turns 6 and 7. The unique backdrop added to the spectacle.

“It’s a super fun track,” four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion and points leader Alex Palou said. “Very bumpy, huge bumps heading into Turn 2 and Turn 6. Massive bumps that are going to spice things up. I think it’s actually going to create good racing.”

Palou earned NTT P1 Award honors driving the No. 10 OpenAI Chip Ganassi Racing Honda or Sunday’s race. He leads Kyle Kirkwood by 133 points. Kirkwood starts second in the No. 27 Sam’s Club Honda for Andretti Global.

Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C.

The track delivers plenty of memorable sights. The front stretch runs along 3rd Street in front of the U.S. Capitol Building. Drivers reach more than 175 mph on Pennsylvania Avenue before braking for Turn 2 near the National Archives (photo, above).

Turns 3 and 4 then wind past the National Gallery of Art and the Air National Guard Fan Zone, where fans packed autograph sessions, food and drink areas, shopping and other activations.

For INDYCAR leadership, seeing the event come together in the nation’s capital was just as significant.

“It’s emotional,” said Bud Denker, president of Penske Corporation and chairman of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. “It’s been the journey of my life. This track was not here three weeks ago. Not one wall, not one fence.”

INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said the event represents a significant opportunity for the series as it celebrates America’s 250th birthday.

“When you think about it, having INDYCAR help celebrate America’s 250th birthday in the heart of Washington, D.C., is pretty special,” Boles said. “Seeing our cars race past the Capitol, near the Washington Monument and around the National Mall is going to create images and memories that people will be talking about for a long time.

“And for INDYCAR, this is a really big moment. The interest from media around the world has been incredible.

“The event has helped us build new relationships, introduced new partners to our sport and put INDYCAR in front of people who may not have experienced INDYCAR before. I think it says a lot about the momentum we have and where INDYCAR is headed.

“This is just a really exciting time to be part of INDYCAR racing and one more springboard moment to help us continue the upward trajectory of INDYCAR.”