The NASCAR O'Reilly Series is set to make a high‑profile return to the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway this July, bringing its unique blend of short‑track intensity to the iconic Brickyard.
A historic return to the Brickyard
The 2026 schedule places the O'Reilly Series alongside the storied Pennzoil 250, a race that has become a staple of the series’ calendar and a favorite among fans who appreciate the blend of tradition and competition.
Qualifying for the event will be decided by a single‑lap sprint, with each driver given one attempt to set the fastest time. The resulting order will dictate the starting positions for the 250‑mile showdown, rewarding those who can extract maximum performance in a brief, high‑stakes run.
Sam Mayer, who captured the pole position in the 2025 edition, enters the 2026 weekend as the driver to watch, having demonstrated strong qualifying pace and a knack for navigating the tricky Indianapolis layout.
The competitive field will feature a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, including Joey Gase, Dawson Cram, J.J. Yeley, Jeb Burton, Harrison Burton, Nathan Byrd, Preston Pardus, Taylor Gray, Ryan Ellis, Ross Chastain, Sam Mayer, Rajah Caruth, Corey Day, Lavar Scott, Blaine Perkins, Blake Lothian, Nick Sanchez, Brent Crews, Jesse Love, Sheldon Creed, Austin Hill, Brennan Poole, Patrick Staropoli, Josh Bilicki, Ryan Sieg, Dean Thompson, Sammy Smith, Mason Maggio, Kyle Sieg, Jeremy Clements, Garrett Smithley, Anthony Alfredo, William Sawalich, Brandon Jones, Parker Retzlaff, Carson Kvapil, and Justin Allgaier.
Beyond the on‑track action, the event underscores NASCAR’s commitment to expanding its footprint at historic venues, offering fans a chance to experience the unique atmosphere of Indianapolis while supporting a diverse lineup of drivers from across the United States.
With the race still months away, teams are already fine‑tuning their setups, and early testing suggests that the new aerodynamic packages could lead to tightly contested battles on the 2.5‑mile oval. As the countdown continues, anticipation builds for a weekend that promises both historic significance and thrilling competition.