The Legend of the Brickyard
There are few places in motorsports as hallowed as Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Opened in 1909 with a surface of crushed stone and tar, the track was soon repaved with 3.2 million bricks to create a safer, more durable course, earning it the nickname
"The Brickyard." While most of that brick is now covered in asphalt, a one-yard strip remains exposed at the start-finish line. Since 1994, when Jeff Gordon won the inaugural race, the Brickyard 400 has been a pillar of the NASCAR schedule. The tradition of the winning driver and team kissing that line of bricks, started by Dale Jarrett's crew in 1996, has become one of the most iconic celebrations in all of sports. After a three-year hiatus where the race was run on the road course, the event returned to its oval roots in 2024, much to the delight of purists.
Your 2026 Race Weekend Essentials
The main event, the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 26, 2026. The green flag is set to wave at approximately 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time. Fans can watch the 160-lap race live on TNT. The weekend is packed with on-track action, with Cup Series practice taking place on Friday, July 24, and qualifying on Saturday, July 25. Saturday also features the NASCAR Xfinity Series race, the Pennzoil 250. The entire weekend is a celebration of stock car racing at one of its most famous venues.
The Track: A Unique Challenge
The 2.5-mile rectangular oval at IMS is unlike any other track on the NASCAR circuit. Its long, flat straightaways demand immense horsepower, while its four nearly identical 90-degree corners, banked at just over 9 degrees, place a premium on handling and braking. Drivers and crew chiefs must find a delicate balance between straight-line speed and cornering grip. Getting the car to turn through the flat corners without getting loose on exit is the key to a fast lap and crucial for setting up passes on the long straights that follow. Goodyear is introducing a new right-side tire for this year's race, which was tested in June and designed to find more grip on the unique surface.
Storylines and Contenders
Several compelling narratives are unfolding heading into this year's race. Denny Hamlin, who has won nearly every other major race in NASCAR, is still searching for his first Brickyard 400 victory and enters the weekend as a favorite. Meanwhile, the event also marks the final round of the NASCAR In-Season Challenge, where Ryan Blaney and Todd Gilliland will battle for a $1 million prize. Kyle Larson, the 2024 winner, always runs strong at Indy, as does his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon, the all-time leader with five wins. Other drivers to watch include Tyler Reddick and Christopher Bell, who have shown speed at similar tracks. Thirty-nine teams are entered for the race, including veteran Casey Mears in a one-off appearance.
Beyond the Green Flag: The Fan Experience
Brickyard Weekend is more than just the races themselves. The festivities kick off Thursday with the NASCAR Hauler Parade through the town of Speedway. The Fan Midway, located in the infield, offers interactive displays, driver appearances, and merchandise throughout the weekend. The IMS Museum, which houses the PPG Trophy given to the race winner, is also open to visitors. For those attending, it's an opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and atmosphere of the Racing Capital of the World. The weekend schedule also includes practice sessions for both the Cup and Xfinity Series on Friday, making it a full three-day experience for motorsport enthusiasts.
