The National Gallery of Art is examining whether vibrations from the planned Freedom 250 IndyCar race in Washington could affect artworks in its collection. The assessment matters because high-speed racing near the National Mall may create vibration levels that pose conservation risks, requiring organisers and the museum to determine whether protective measures are needed.

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is scheduled to use a 1.7-mile, seven-turn street circuit around the National Mall, with cars passing the National Gallery of Art, the National Archives and the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum. The event is intended as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, and is expected to draw large crowds; the gallery’s study reflects wider concerns that repeated vibration can damage delicate artworks over time.