INDIANAPOLIS — The Brickyard 400 will return to the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval on July 20-21 next year.
The return of the NASCAR Cup Series to the track coincides with the 30th anniversary of the first Brickyard 400 in 1994.
The Brickyard wWeekend race lineup will include the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pennzoil 250 on Saturday, July 20 and the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 presented by PPG on Sunday, July 21.
“While it’s been exciting to watch the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series drivers tackle the IMS road course over the last three years, being back on the oval for the 30th anniversary is a much-anticipated homecoming for drivers and fans alike,” IMS President Doug Boles said. “Whether you’ve been with us all 30 years or are a new fan, the celebration as we ‘come back around’ will be can’t-miss and truly unforgettable.”
The inaugural Brickyard 400 took place Aug. 6, 1994, with racing legend Jeff Gordon capturing the first of his five Brickyard 400 victories. The inaugural event was the first race other than the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge to be held at IMS since 1916.
From 1994 to 2020, the race was held on the 2.5-mile oval before shifting to the 14-turn, 2.439-mile road course over the last three years as part of a tripleheader weekend with the NTT IndyCar Series.
“It’s always an honor to race at IMS, but it’s no secret that I’m excited for NASCAR’s return to the oval,” 2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson said. “The Brickyard 400 is one of the crown jewels of the sport’s season. To win on the oval, especially during NASCAR’s 30th anniversary at the track, is to add your name to the history books. The competition will be fierce, but with strong support from Hendrick Motorsports and HendrickCars.com, I hope to bring the No. 5 Chevy to victory lane and kiss the bricks.”
“After three strong years on the IMS road course, it is momentous to return to the historic oval,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR senior vice president, racing development and strategy. “The history of motorsports permeates throughout IMS, so we look forward to celebrating the 30th anniversary of NASCAR at the Brickyard with the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024.”
Presenting sponsor PPG is no stranger to the Brickyard 400. The first seven winners of the Brickyard 400 had their names inscribed on the coveted PPG Trophy.
“PPG is proud to return to the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 at IMS for its 30th anniversary as the primary entitlement sponsor,” PPG Chief Communications Officer Bryan Iams said. “We are excited to see how our paints, coatings and specialty materials continue to transform the world of racing.”