Car News Daily: D.C. Street Racing, F1 Home-Track Drama, and a V6 on Its Last Legs

Another action-packed 24 hours in the automotive world. IndyCar is on the streets of Washington, D.C., F1 is at the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, and a beloved sports sedan is quietly losing its best engine. Here are the top stories.

Alex Palou takes pole for the Freedom 250

IndyCar's one-off street race in Washington, D.C. got off to a strong start with Alex Palou on the pole for the Freedom 250. The Spaniard — chasing a fifth championship with three rounds remaining — said his goal for the chaotic street circuit is to make the race "boring." We'll take that as a compliment to his consistency. Road & Track

Jeff Gordon dominates both IROC races

In what should be a night for the ages, four-time NASCAR Cup champion Jeff Gordon won both historic IROC races at the D.C. street circuit. Gordon's dominance in the International Race of Champions is a fitting showcase for the weekend — proof the legend still has ice in his veins. Road & Track

F1: Norris poles Zandvoort, Verstappen in P7

The Dutch GP is producing some fascinating F1 dynamics. Lando Norris secured his second 2026 pole of the season, remaining the only driver to outqualify Mercedes this year. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen starts P7 in what could be his final home GP — a bittersweet moment for the four-time champion — while his temporary teammate Jack Lawson shone in qualifying, the stark contrast in mood between the two Red Bull drivers telling its own story. Road & Track

Genesis G70 loses its V6

Sad news for sports sedan fans: a government registration website suggests the Genesis G70's V6 powerplant is being discontinued for 2027. The turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-6 has been the heart of the G70's appeal, and its removal is a blow to one of the more affordable ways to get a fast, well-built sedan. Motor1

Porsche Sonderwunsch keeps dreaming big

Porsche's special-request program Sonderwunsch is showing no signs of slowing down, with the manufacturer teasing more one-of-one projects as the program finds its creative footing. If you ever wanted a truly unique 911, now's the time to start saving. Car and Driver

Final Takeaway

Street circuits, F1 home-race drama, and engine-lineup shifts are all defining this week in cars. The D.C. weekend is the one to watch — IndyCar, IROC, and a full field of legends all in one place. Stay tuned.

Sources: Car and Driver, Road & Track, Motor1, The Drive.