History of Brickyard 400 in Timeline
The Brickyard 400 is an annual NASCAR Cup Series race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. First held in 1994, it was the first non-Indianapolis 500 race at the speedway since 1916. The inaugural event drew over 250,000 spectators, making it NASCAR's most attended event at the time. It was run on the 2.5-mile oval for 400 miles until 2020. After a three-year hiatus (2021-2023) for the Verizon 200 road course race, the Brickyard 400 will return to the oval in 2024.
August 1909: Origin of the Brickyard
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in August 1909 with a surface of crushed stone and tar. Due to safety concerns from the poor surface, the track was repaved with 3.2 million bricks, leading to its nickname "The Brickyard."
1909: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Opens
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened its doors, marking the beginning of its legacy as a world-renowned racing venue.
1910: Early Race Meets
Following its opening in 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted multiple race meets in 1910. However, the tradition of only hosting the Indy 500 would soon take hold.
1911: First Indianapolis 500
The inaugural Indianapolis 500 took place, establishing a tradition that would dominate the Speedway's schedule for decades to come.
1913: Longest Running Event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The 2017 Brickyard 400 became the longest-running event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since the 1913 Indianapolis 500 due to a combination of rain delays, red flags, and crashes that extended the race's duration.
1916: Last Non-Indy 500 Race
1916 marked the last time a race other than the Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway until the inaugural Brickyard 400 in 1994.
1916: Last Race Before Brickyard Era
A race meet held the weekend after Labor Day in 1916 marked the last time a race other than the Indianapolis 500 would grace the Speedway until the Brickyard 400 in 1994.
1916: Harvest Auto Racing Classic
The September date chosen for the Brickyard 400 in 2018 coincided with the historical date of the Harvest Auto Racing Classic, which began in 1916.
1946: Tony Hulman Era Begins
Tony Hulman's tenure as president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway began, ushering in a period of stability and growth for the iconic venue. While the idea of a second race was considered during this time, it was never seriously pursued.
1956: Ford Sets Stock Car Record
Ford Motor Company set a 500-mile stock car record at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, demonstrating the potential for stock car racing at the iconic track.
1959: Coke Zero 400 at Daytona
The July 4 weekend slot that the Brickyard 400 took over in 2020 was traditionally occupied by the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway, a race with its own history dating back to 1959.
1968: Proposed "Tony Hulman Classic"
The USAC (United States Auto Club) proposed a stock car race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway called the "Tony Hulman Classic." However, Hulman and Speedway management declined the offer, keeping the Indy 500 as the sole event.
1971: NASCAR at Ontario Motor Speedway
From 1971 to 1980, NASCAR held races at the Ontario Motor Speedway, a track designed as a replica of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This experience fueled the belief that stock cars could compete successfully at Indy.
1977: End of Tony Hulman Era
1977 marked the end of Tony Hulman's lengthy presidency at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. During his tenure, the idea of a second race was contemplated but never came to fruition.
1978: Joe Cloutier's First Term Begins
Joe Cloutier began his first term as president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1978. Known for his resistance to a second race, Cloutier's stance reflected concerns about tradition, fan interest, and logistical challenges.
1979: Proposed USAC/CART Doubleheader
During the USAC/CART split, a proposal surfaced to hold a USAC Stock Car/Championship Car doubleheader at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway over Labor Day weekend. The plan, which would have featured a 250-mile stock car race followed by a 250-mile Indycar race, ultimately fell through due to potential conflicts and other concerns.
1979: End of Joe Cloutier's First Term
Joe Cloutier's first term as president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway concluded in 1979. During this time, he expressed reservations about hosting a second race at the track, citing concerns about preserving the Indy 500's unique status.
1979: A.J. Foyt's Test Laps
Legendary racer A.J. Foyt, known to store his race cars at Indy, reportedly took his NASCAR stock car for test laps at the Speedway, further fueling the notion that stock cars could compete successfully at the venue.
1980: John Cooper's Brief Presidency
John Cooper's brief stint as president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway began. Cooper engaged in discussions with NASCAR about holding a race at the track, but logistical and financial concerns ultimately stalled these plans.
1980: End of NASCAR Races at Ontario
The year 1980 marked the end of NASCAR's races at Ontario Motor Speedway, which had served as a testing ground for the idea of stock cars at Indianapolis.
1981: End of John Cooper's Presidency
John Cooper's time as president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway concluded. During his brief tenure, he had explored the possibility of bringing NASCAR to the track, but these plans ultimately did not materialize.
1982: John Cooper's "Hand-Shake" Deal
John Cooper, then-president of the Speedway, reportedly made a "hand-shake" agreement with Bill France to bring a NASCAR race to Indy. However, the deal was vetoed by Mary F. Hulman, leading to Cooper's resignation and a cooling off period for talks about a stock car race at the Speedway.
1983: Joe Cloutier's Second Term Begins
Joe Cloutier returned as president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1983 for a second term. His reservations about hosting a second race persisted during this time, primarily due to concerns about financial viability and the logistical challenges of accommodating NASCAR.
1986: Gasoline Alley Garage Rebuilding
In 1986, the Gasoline Alley garage area was rebuilt with the foresight of accommodating stock cars, should a race ever take place. This proactive step demonstrated the Speedway's consideration of hosting a NASCAR event.
1987: Warm-up Lane Construction
In 1987, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway underwent significant renovations, including the removal of the track apron and the construction of a new warm-up lane, similar to the one at Nazareth Speedway. This improvement aimed to enhance the track's suitability for stock car racing.
December 1989: Tony George Becomes President
Following Joe Cloutier's passing, Tony George assumed the presidency of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. George's appointment marked a turning point, as he would eventually lead the Speedway in new directions, including bringing NASCAR to the track.
1989: End of Joe Cloutier's Second Term
Joe Cloutier's second term as president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway came to an end in 1989. Throughout his tenure, Cloutier remained cautious about the idea of a second race, primarily due to logistical hurdles and a desire to prioritize the Indianapolis 500.
September 24, 1991: A.J. Foyt's Unexpected Laps
On September 24, 1991, while filming a commercial at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, A.J. Foyt and Speedway president Tony George spontaneously decided to take Foyt's NASCAR stock car for a spin. This unplanned event, a first for the Speedway, sparked curiosity about the future of stock car racing at the iconic track.
December 1991: Proposal for a Second Major Event
In December 1991, Tony George presented a plan to the Speedway's board of directors to introduce a second major racing event, ideally a NASCAR Winston Cup event. The board's approval marked the beginning of the Speedway's journey towards hosting a NASCAR race.
March 1992: IROC Test and Track Considerations
In March 1992, NASCAR drivers, who were also IROC test drivers, tested IROC cars at the Speedway, reaching speeds up to 153 mph. This test aimed to assess the track's suitability for hosting an IROC event. Despite its success, the plan was deemed financially unfeasible and put on hold.
1992: Unofficial NASCAR Compatibility Test
In 1992, nine top NASCAR teams participated in a tire test at the Speedway, serving as an unofficial compatibility test for stock cars. This event, observed by an estimated 10,000 spectators, provided valuable insights into the feasibility of hosting a NASCAR race at the track.
April 14, 1993: Inaugural Brickyard 400 Announcement
On April 14, 1993, the much-anticipated announcement of the Inaugural Brickyard 400 was made. Scheduled for August 6, 1994, the race marked the beginning of a new era for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
1993: End of Indy 500 Exclusivity
Prior to 1993, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway primarily hosted the Indy 500 as its sole event. The introduction of the Brickyard 400 in 1994 marked the end of this long-standing tradition.
August 6, 1994: Jeff Gordon's Inaugural Victory
Jeff Gordon etched his name in Brickyard 400 history by winning the inaugural race on August 6, 1994. This victory marked the beginning of Gordon's reign as the most successful driver at the event, eventually amassing a record five wins and three pole positions.
1994: Establishment of Traditional Date
From its inaugural race in 1994 until 2017, the Brickyard 400 was held during the first weekend of August or the last weekend of July, establishing a summer tradition for the event.
1994: Start of Track-Organized Television Contract
From its inception in 1994, the Brickyard 400 operated under a track-organized television contract. This arrangement gave the Speedway significant control over the event's broadcasting.
1994: NASCAR Open Test and Petty's Donation
In 1994, thirty-five NASCAR teams participated in an open test at the Speedway, simulating race-day weather conditions. Notably, Richard Petty, after retiring from racing, took a few laps and donated his car to the Speedway museum.
1994: Brickyard 400 Winners' Championship Correlation
Since the inaugural race in 1994, the winner of the Brickyard 400 has gone on to win the NASCAR Cup Series championship in the same season nine times out of 23 runnings until 2016. Notably, this includes a streak of four consecutive seasons from 1998 to 2001 and eight out of 12 years between 1998 and 2009.
1994: Inaugural Brickyard 400
The first Brickyard 400 in 1994 was a landmark event, drawing the largest crowd and offering the biggest purse for a NASCAR event to date. Jeff Gordon won the race, marking his first Brickyard 400 victory.
1994: First Brickyard 400 Schedule
The first Brickyard 400, held in 1994, was scheduled for a Saturday afternoon with Sunday as a rain date. The event included practice and qualifying sessions throughout the week, including a unique "pacing" practice to measure pit road speed.
1994: Record-Breaking Attendance and Seating Adjustments
The inaugural Brickyard 400 in 1994 witnessed a record-breaking attendance of over 250,000 spectators, prompting a lottery system for ticket distribution. To manage the overwhelming demand and avoid overshadowing the Indy 500, some bleacher seating was removed, and infield general admission was restricted.
1995: Schedule Adjustment and Additional Practice
Starting in 1995, an additional practice session was added to the Brickyard 400 schedule on Wednesday afternoons. This adjustment, along with the existing qualifying sessions, remained in place until 2000.
1995: Dale Earnhardt's Dominant Victory
The 1995 Brickyard 400 was delayed due to rain. Dale Earnhardt secured a dominant victory, with Rusty Wallace finishing second.
1995: Scott Brayton Withdraws from Brickyard 400
Two-time Indy 500 pole winner Scott Brayton withdrew from the 1995 Brickyard 400 due to a broken ankle and a concussion sustained during a private test session.
1996: Jarrett's Victory and the Brickyard Kiss
Dale Jarrett won the 1996 Brickyard 400, initiating the tradition of kissing the bricks at the finish line. The race was marked by several accidents due to track modifications, and defending champion Dale Earnhardt missed the race due to injuries.
1996: Jarrett's Daytona-Brickyard Double
In 1996, Dale Jarrett became the first driver to win both the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 in the same year. This accomplishment marked a historic feat in NASCAR, later matched by Jimmie Johnson in 2006.
1996: Enhanced Safety and Seating Expansion
In 1996, a new concrete wall and catch fence were erected along the backstretch to enhance safety for the heavier stock cars. This improvement allowed for the reopening of the grass mounds to spectators, expanding seating capacity.
1997: Rudd's Fuel Strategy Win
Ricky Rudd won the 1997 Brickyard 400 by successfully executing a fuel-saving strategy, becoming the only owner/driver to win the race. Jeff Burton was penalized for speeding after a late caution, affecting the outcome.
1998: Start of Consecutive Brickyard 400 Winners' Championship Wins
A notable streak of Brickyard 400 winners also winning the NASCAR Cup Series championship in the same year began in 1998 and continued for four consecutive seasons until 2001.
1998: Jarrett's Heartbreak
In 1998, Dale Jarrett experienced a heartbreaking loss at the Brickyard 400. This event would fuel his determination to win in the following year.
1998: Introduction of the IROC Race
In a move to enhance the Brickyard 400 weekend, an IROC event was incorporated into the schedule starting in 1998. This addition, held the day before the Brickyard 400, aimed to attract a wider audience.
1998: Gordon's Second Brickyard Triumph
Jeff Gordon won his second Brickyard 400 in 1998, becoming the first repeat winner. Dale Jarrett, despite dominating the race early on, faced a setback due to a fuel issue.
1999: Dale Jarrett's Tactical Win
In 1999, Dale Jarrett clinched his second Brickyard 400 victory in a strategic turn of events. A late caution flag allowed the front-runners, including Jarrett, to pit for fuel. In a surprise move, Jarrett opted for only two tires, a strategy mirrored by Jeff Burton. Despite a fumble by Burton's crew, Jarrett held his lead, securing his second win and erasing the memory of his 1998 loss.
2000: Montoya's Indianapolis 500 Win
In 2000, Juan Pablo Montoya added his name to the prestigious list of Indianapolis 500 winners, showcasing his versatility and skill on the iconic speedway.
2000: Labonte's Late Charge
The 2000 Brickyard 400 saw a dominant performance by Rusty Wallace, leading for 114 laps. However, Bobby Labonte made a late surge, overtaking Wallace on the backstretch to secure the win in a race with minimal interruptions.
2000: End of Wednesday Practice and Two-Round Qualifying
The year 2000 marked the end of the Wednesday practice session and the two-round qualifying format that had been in place since 1995. This change signaled further adjustments to the Brickyard 400 schedule.
2000: End of Track-Organized Television Contract
The year 2000 marked the end of the track-organized television contract that had been in place since the Brickyard 400's inception. This change paved the way for a centralized NASCAR television package.
2001: Gordon's Historic Three-Peat
In 2001, Jeff Gordon made history by becoming the first three-time winner of the Brickyard 400. He strategically passed Sterling Marlin during a restart with 25 laps remaining, solidifying his place in the race's legacy.
2001: Centralized NASCAR Television Package
In 2001, the Brickyard 400 transitioned to a centralized NASCAR television package, ending the track's control over broadcasting rights. This shift led to the lifting of the local television blackout previously imposed by the Speedway.
2001: End of Consecutive Brickyard 400 Winners' Championship Wins
The streak of Brickyard 400 winners securing the NASCAR Cup Series championship in the same year, which started in 1998, ended in 2001.
2002: Bill Elliott, Brickyard 400 Winner, Never Competed in Indy 500
Bill Elliott, the winner of the 2002 Brickyard 400, is the only driver among those who participated in the Indy Legends Charity Pro–Am race to have never competed in the Indy 500.
2002: Elliott's Triumph and Busch-Spencer Clash
The 2002 Brickyard 400 was marked by a collision between rivals Kurt Busch and Jimmy Spencer early in the race. Amidst the drama, veteran driver Bill Elliott claimed victory, adding the prestigious Brickyard title to his impressive racing resume.
2003: Harvick's Pole-to-Victory Drive
In 2003, Kevin Harvick etched his name in Brickyard 400 history by becoming the first driver to win the race from the pole position. Capitalizing on lap traffic, Harvick overtook Matt Kenseth on a restart and skillfully navigated a late-race pileup to secure his victory.
2003: End of the IROC Race
The IROC race, which had been a fixture of the Brickyard 400 weekend since 1998, came to an end in 2003. This decision marked a shift in the event's schedule and focus.
2004: Gordon's Fourth Win and Green-White-Checkered Finish
The 2004 Brickyard 400 marked the first time in NASCAR Cup Series history that the Green-white-checkered finish rule extended a race. In a dramatic finish, Jeff Gordon retained his lead amidst tire failures from competitors, securing his fourth Brickyard 400 win and joining an elite group of four-time winners at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
2005: Allstate Sponsorship Begins
Allstate secured the naming rights for the Brickyard 400, renaming it the "Allstate 400 at the Brickyard," a sponsorship that would last until 2009.
2005: Stewart's Hometown Triumph
In 2005, Tony Stewart, a hometown favorite, achieved a long-awaited victory at the Brickyard 400. His celebration, mirroring Hélio Castroneves' iconic fence climb, solidified the emotional connection between driver, victory, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
2006: Johnson Conquers the Brickyard
In 2006, Jimmie Johnson overcame early tire trouble to claim his first victory at the Brickyard 400. This victory cemented his place in NASCAR history, becoming the second driver to achieve both the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 wins in the same year, a feat previously accomplished by Dale Jarrett in 1996.
2006: Johnson's Daytona-Brickyard Double
Jimmie Johnson matched Dale Jarrett's 1996 accomplishment by winning both the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 in the same year, solidifying his position as a dominant force in NASCAR.
2007: Date Swap with Pocono
In 2007, coinciding with ESPN's acquisition of NASCAR television rights, the Brickyard 400 swapped dates with Pocono. This strategic move placed the Brickyard 400 in late July and Pocono in early August.
2007: Montoya's Indy Triple and Stewart's Second Win
The 2007 Brickyard 400 saw Juan Pablo Montoya make history as the first and only driver to compete in the Indy 500, Brickyard 400, and U.S.G.P., all hosted by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While Montoya secured a respectable second-place finish, Tony Stewart claimed his second Brickyard 400 victory.
2008: Tire Controversy and Attendance Decline
Following a tire controversy at the 2008 race, the Brickyard 400 experienced a significant decline in attendance. Factors contributing to this decline included poor sightlines, a perceived lack of competition, and the summer heat.
2008: Johnson's Tire Mastery and "Car of Tomorrow" Controversy
The 2008 Brickyard 400 marked the debut of the "Car of Tomorrow" but was plagued by tire issues. Goodyear tires exhibited severe wear, leading to blowouts and frequent competition cautions, drawing criticism from fans and media. Despite the controversy, Jimmie Johnson expertly navigated the tire challenges to secure his second Brickyard 400 victory.
2009: End of Allstate Sponsorship
2009 marked the end of Allstate's naming rights agreement for the Brickyard 400, concluding their five-year run as title sponsor.
2009: Last Year of Frequent Brickyard 400 Winners' Championship Wins
Between 1998 and 2009, there was a notable trend of Brickyard 400 winners also clinching the NASCAR Cup Series championship in the same year, with this occurring in eight out of the twelve years.
2009: Montoya's Penalty and Johnson's Repeat Win
In 2009, Juan Pablo Montoya, despite leading for a majority of the race, was handed a controversial speeding penalty during a pit stop, costing him a likely victory. This setback allowed Jimmie Johnson to capitalize, securing his second consecutive and third overall Brickyard 400 win.
2010: Chip Ganassi Sweeps Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400
In 2010, Chip Ganassi, owner of Ganassi Racing, achieved a rare feat by winning both the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400 in the same year.
2010: McMurray's Triple Crown Triumph
The 2010 Brickyard 400 saw Juan Pablo Montoya dominate early on but falter in the latter half, opening the door for Jamie McMurray to secure his first Brickyard victory. This win made McMurray the third driver in history to win both the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 in the same season, mirroring Dale Jarrett's accomplishment in 1996 and Jimmie Johnson's in 2006. The victory also marked a significant milestone for team owner Chip Ganassi, securing wins in the Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500, and Brickyard 400 all within the same season, a feat never achieved before.
2011: Big Machine Records as Presenting Sponsor
Big Machine Records signed on as the presenting sponsor for the Brickyard 400 in 2011, marking their entry into a sponsorship role that would later evolve.
2011: Crown Royal's Title Sponsorship Begins
Crown Royal became the title sponsor of the Brickyard 400 in 2011.
2011: Menard's First-Time Victory
The 2011 Brickyard 400 witnessed Paul Menard's strategic fuel management and a late charge from Jeff Gordon. Menard, opting not to pit under a late caution, inherited the lead and held off Gordon in the closing laps, securing his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series victory at the prestigious Brickyard 400.
2012: Crown Royal Becomes Title Sponsor
Crown Royal took over as the title sponsor of the Brickyard 400 in 2012, introducing a tradition of honoring a military member or first responder chosen by fans.
2012: Super Weekend at the Brickyard
In 2012, the Brickyard 400 became a part of the Super Weekend at the Brickyard, a four day racing event. The event featured races on both the oval and the road course.
2012: Johnson Ties Gordon with Fourth Brickyard Win
The 2012 Brickyard 400 saw Jimmie Johnson equal Jeff Gordon's record of four victories in the event, solidifying his place among the racing elite. His strategic driving and late-race resilience earned him a place alongside legends A.J. Foyt, Al Unser Sr., and Rick Mears as four-time winners at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
2013: Newman's Two-Tire Strategy Triumph
In 2013, Ryan Newman employed a clever two-tire pit strategy, capitalizing on a slow pit stop by Jimmie Johnson. This gamble paid off as Newman emerged with a significant lead, which he maintained until the checkered flag, securing his first Brickyard 400 victory.
2014: End of Big Machine Records Presenting Sponsorship
After a four-year run, Big Machine Records' time as the presenting sponsor of the Brickyard 400 came to an end in 2014, just as they were about to take on the title sponsorship.
2014: Removal of Road Course Races
Due to low attendance, races on the road course were removed from the schedule after 2014.
2014: Gordon's Historic Fifth Win
The 2014 Brickyard 400 marked the end of an era as ESPN aired its final NASCAR race, concluding a long-standing broadcasting partnership with the sport. Jeff Gordon, twenty years after his inaugural Brickyard 400 win, achieved an unprecedented fifth victory at the iconic track. His late-race pass on Kasey Kahne solidified his legacy as the undisputed king of the Brickyard.
2014: Kasey Kahne's Victory Drought
The 2017 Brickyard 400 marked the end of Kasey Kahne's winless streak in the Cup Series, which had lasted since 2014.
2015: Busch's Brickyard Sweep and Gordon's Farewell
The 2015 Brickyard 400 marked the beginning of a new broadcasting partnership as NBCSN aired its first NASCAR race, ushering in a new era for the sport's television coverage. Kyle Busch achieved a remarkable feat by winning both the Xfinity and Cup Series races at the Brickyard, showcasing his dominance throughout the weekend. The race also marked Jeff Gordon's final appearance at the Brickyard 400. Despite his decorated history at the track, Gordon's farewell was cut short by an early race incident.
2016: Crown Royal's "Your Hero's Name Here" Program
As part of Crown Royal's sponsorship, they introduced the "Your Hero's Name Here" program. This initiative involved fans nominating an armed forces member or first responder, with the chosen individual receiving a VIP race experience and the honor of presenting the winner's trophy. In 2016, retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman was nominated and chose to name the race after his charity, the Combat Wounded Coalition.
2016: Crown Royal Sponsorship Ends
Crown Royal's run as title sponsor of the Brickyard 400 came to an end in 2016, concluding their unique tradition of honoring military members and first responders.
2016: Kyle Busch's Second Brickyard 400 Victory
In 2016, Kyle Busch won his second Brickyard 400, in a race where Jeff Gordon came out of retirement to fill in for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Busch also secured victory in the Xfinity race for the second consecutive year.
2016: Significant Drop in Attendance
The 2016 Brickyard 400 saw a stark decline in attendance, with fewer than 50,000 spectators, leaving a significant number of seats empty. This low turnout highlighted the challenges faced by the event in maintaining its popularity.
2016: End of Brickyard 400 Winners' Championship Streak
The trend of Brickyard 400 winners going on to win the NASCAR Cup Series championship in the same season was observed from 1994 to 2016.
2016: Dropping the "Super Weekend" Moniker
With races only taking place on the oval, the "Super Weekend" moniker was dropped in 2016.
2017: End of Traditional Date
2017 marked the end of the Brickyard 400's traditional summer date, which had been in place since the race's inception in 1994.
2017: Big Machine Becomes Title Sponsor
Building upon their previous role as presenting sponsor, Big Machine Records became the title sponsor of the Brickyard 400 in 2017.
2017: Kasey Kahne's First Win Since 2014
The 2017 Brickyard 400, the first to incorporate stage racing, saw Kasey Kahne secure his first win since 2014. The race, marked by multiple crashes, red flags, and the emergence of darkness as a factor, went into overtime. Kahne's victory marked the tenth for Hendrick Motorsports at the Brickyard 400.
2018: Move to Post-Labor Day
In 2018, NASCAR realigned its schedule, moving the Brickyard 400 from its traditional summer slot to become the last race of the regular season, taking place the weekend following Labor Day.
2018: First Brickyard 400 Win for Penske Racing
In 2018, after rain caused the cancellation of practice and qualifying sessions, Brad Keselowski won the Brickyard 400, marking the first victory for Penske Racing in the event. The race was postponed to Monday, and the starting grid was determined by points standings.
2018: Qualifying Rained Out
In 2018, qualifying for the Brickyard 400 was rained out, leading to the starting grid being determined by the championship point standings.
2018: Schedule Realignment and New Race
In 2018, the Brickyard 400 was moved to September. The event was expanded and a new race, the Bryan Clauson Classic, was added. Rain caused the postponement of the main event to Monday, with a lower attendance as a result.
2018: Roger Penske Wins Both Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400
Roger Penske, owner of Team Penske, replicated Chip Ganassi's achievement by winning both the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400 in the same year, 2018.
2018: Expansion to Five-Day Event and Bryan Clauson Classic Format
The addition of the Bryan Clauson Classic, a USAC Midget Car Championship event, expanded the Brickyard 400 to a five-day event in 2018. The Classic featured two events: the 25-lap Stoops Pursuit and the 39-lap Driven2SaveLives BC39, both with unique formats.
2019: Harvick's Dominant Victory and Stewart's Climb
In 2019, a revised format saw qualifying held on Sunday morning, followed by the race in the afternoon. Kevin Harvick, after securing the pole position, led for 118 of the 160 laps, claiming his second Brickyard 400 victory. The race was notable for numerous collisions on pit road and Jimmie Johnson's failure to qualify for the Playoffs for the first time in his career. After the race, Harvick and team owner Tony Stewart celebrated by climbing the fence. This marked Stewart's fourth win at the event, twice as a driver and twice as an owner.
2019: Continuation of Post-Labor Day Race
The Brickyard 400 continued to be held the weekend after Labor Day, marking a shift from its traditional summer date.
2020: COVID-19 Pandemic and Spectator Ban
In 2020, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Brickyard 400 was held without spectators. This unprecedented measure underscored the impact of the pandemic on live sporting events.
2020: IndyCar Series and NASCAR Double-Header
In 2020, the IndyCar Series moved its GMR Grand Prix to the Brickyard 400 weekend, creating a rare double-header with the Xfinity Series race, both on the road course. The pandemic, however, led to the cancellation of the Bryan Clauson Classic.
2020: Big Machine Hand Sanitizer Sponsorship
In a unique turn of events reflecting the global circumstances, the 2020 Brickyard 400 was sponsored by Big Machine Hand Sanitizer.
2020: Last Race on Oval (until 2024)
The 2020 Brickyard 400 was the last race held on the oval configuration until its planned return in 2024. After this year, the race shifted to a combined road course format.
2020: Independence Day Weekend Race
The 2020 Brickyard 400 was uniquely scheduled for Independence Day weekend, deviating from its usual post-Labor Day slot.
2020: Harvick's Back-to-Back Brickyard 400 Wins
The 2020 Brickyard 400, moved to July 4th weekend and held without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Kevin Harvick secure his third victory in the event, making him the third driver to achieve back-to-back wins in the race. The event was part of a doubleheader weekend, including the IndyCar Series GMR Grand Prix and the Pennzoil 150 for the Xfinity Series.
2020: Move to Independence Day Weekend
The Brickyard 400 was moved to Independence Day weekend in 2020 as part of significant changes to the NASCAR calendar, marking a return to mid-summer after a brief stint as the final race of the regular season.
2020: Information Available Through 2020
The provided information is current up to the year 2020.
2021: Return to Late July/Early August
Coinciding with its move to the road course, the Brickyard 400 was rescheduled back to its late July/early August slot in 2021.
2021: Move to Road Course and Hiatus
The Brickyard 400 transitioned to the Grand Prix road course in 2021, using a modified layout previously used for Formula One and IndyCar races. This marked the beginning of a three-year hiatus for the traditional oval race, with the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard taking its place.
2021: Verizon Becomes Title Sponsor
With the shift to the road course format, Verizon assumed the naming rights for the newly dubbed "Verizon 200 at the Brickyard" in 2021.
2023: End of Hiatus
2023 marks the end of the three-year hiatus for the Brickyard 400 on the oval track.
2024: Drivers in Both Brickyard 400 and Indianapolis 500
As of 2024, a total of 20 drivers have competed in both the Brickyard 400 and the Indianapolis 500. Additionally, 12 other drivers have attempted to qualify for both races but were unsuccessful in one or both events.
2024: Return of the Brickyard 400
In 2024, the Brickyard 400 is set to return to the oval track after a three-year hiatus, during which it was replaced by the Verizon 200 on the road course. The 2024 race will mark the 30th anniversary of the inaugural event in 1994.
2024: Return to Oval
The Brickyard 400 is set to return to the oval track configuration in 2024 after a three-year hiatus.
