This Sunday the Brickyard 400 will celebrate its 30th running, marking a milestone that ties the modern NASCAR Cup Series to the storied history of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race, scheduled for a 2 p.m. start, will be broadcast live on TNT and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, giving fans across the United States a chance to witness the historic occasion.
The inaugural Brickyard 400 took place on August 6, 1994, becoming the first major stock‑car event at the 2.5‑mile rectangular oval after a 78‑year hiatus from IndyCar competition. Since then, the race has become a cornerstone of the NASCAR calendar, blending tradition with the modern spectacle of American racing.
Cody Ware’s View of the Brickyard
Cody Ware, who pilots the No. 51 Sky Fund Aviation Chevrolet for Rick Ware Racing, brings a unique perspective to the event. Having competed both on the Indy road course and on the speedway’s high‑banked oval, Ware notes that the track’s configuration offers a distinct challenge for NASCAR stock cars, which he believes are better suited to the oval than the road course.
The speedway itself is a 2.5‑mile rectangular layout featuring two 3,300‑foot straights and four corners banked at 9.2 degrees. This geometry creates long, high‑speed stretches that test a car’s aerodynamic stability and a driver’s ability to manage tire wear over the 400‑mile distance.
Preparation and Coverage
Ware’s weekend routine begins with a 50‑minute practice session on Friday, followed by Saturday’s qualifying round that determines the starting lineup. The culmination of the weekend will be the live broadcast on Sunday, where the race will be complemented by extensive coverage from both TNT and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Beyond the on‑track action, the event underscores the legacy of Rick Ware Racing, a team with over four decades of involvement across multiple motorsport disciplines, including the NASCAR Cup Series, NHRA drag racing, and FIM Supercross. Their continued presence at Indianapolis highlights the team’s commitment to endurance and innovation in American racing.