The NASCAR Brickyard 400 is one of the most storied races on the NASCAR Cup Series calendar, held at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Racing on the same hallowed tarmac that hosts the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400 carries a weight of history and prestige that few NASCAR events can match, with drivers competing to “kiss the bricks” at the famous yard of bricks finish line.
What Is the NASCAR Brickyard 400?
The Brickyard 400 is a NASCAR Cup Series race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event has been run on both the iconic 2.5-mile oval and, in recent years, on the infield road course. The race brings stock car racing to the spiritual home of American motorsport, creating a crossover between NASCAR’s fanbase and the Indianapolis racing tradition. The event is part of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season and carries full championship points.
When Is the NASCAR Brickyard 400?
The 2026 NASCAR Brickyard 400 takes place on 26 July 2026. The race weekend typically includes practice sessions and qualifying on the preceding days, with support races from other NASCAR national series also on the programme.
Where Is the NASCAR Brickyard 400 Held?
The race is held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, just west of downtown Indianapolis. Known as “The Racing Capital of the World,” the IMS complex is the largest sporting facility on earth, with a permanent seating capacity exceeding 250,000. The famous yard of bricks at the start/finish line, a remnant of the original brick surface laid in 1909, is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of motorsport. Whether run on the oval or the infield road course, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway provides an unparalleled setting for racing.
Key Contenders
The Brickyard 400 attracts the full NASCAR Cup Series field, including championship contenders and fan favourites. Hendrick Motorsport, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske are among the leading organisations, with drivers such as Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Chase Elliott among the pre-race favourites. Success at Indianapolis requires a combination of car setup, strategy, and driver skill, with the track’s unique characteristics rewarding consistency and patience. Past Brickyard winners include Jeff Gordon, who won the inaugural race in 1994, and Jimmie Johnson, a five-time champion.
How to Watch
In the United States, the Brickyard 400 is broadcast on NBC or USA Network, with streaming available through Peacock. International coverage varies by region, with NASCAR’s global broadcast partners providing live feeds in many territories. In the United Kingdom, NASCAR races can be followed through selected sports streaming platforms. Full race replays and highlights are available through NASCAR’s official channels.
History and Significance
The Brickyard 400 was first held in 1994, marking the first time stock cars had raced at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon’s victory in the inaugural event, in front of an estimated 300,000 fans, instantly cemented the race as one of NASCAR’s crown jewels. The event was held on the oval from 1994 to 2020, before briefly switching to the IMS road course. The race’s return to the oval format has been a topic of ongoing interest among fans and the series. Winning at Indianapolis carries enormous prestige in NASCAR, and the tradition of the winning driver kissing the yard of bricks at the finish line remains one of the sport’s most cherished celebrations.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the Brickyard 400 are available through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s official website and NASCAR’s ticketing partners. The vast seating capacity means tickets are generally accessible, with options ranging from general admission to premium suites and hospitality areas. The IMS also offers infield access and camping options for dedicated fans. The Brickyard 400 weekend often includes fan festivals, driver appearances, and interactive exhibits around the speedway grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Brickyard 400 run on the oval or the road course?
The race has been held on both configurations in recent years. The original event from 1994 was on the 2.5-mile oval, and the format has alternated in recent seasons. Check the official schedule for the 2026 configuration.
What are “the bricks” at Indianapolis?
The yard of bricks is a three-foot strip of the original brick surface at the start/finish line, preserved as a tribute to the speedway’s history. The tradition of the race winner kissing the bricks has become one of motorsport’s most recognisable celebrations.
How long is the Brickyard 400?
When run on the oval, the race covers 400 miles (160 laps of the 2.5-mile circuit). On the road course, the distance is adjusted accordingly. Race duration is typically around three hours including caution periods.
Can I visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum during race weekend?
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is located within the speedway grounds and is often accessible during race weekends, though hours may vary. It houses an extensive collection of historic race cars and memorabilia from over a century of racing at the venue.
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