The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series will return to the historic 2.5‑mile oval of Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Brickyard 400, marking the 22nd race of the season and reigniting a tradition that fans have come to love.
The event marks the third consecutive year the Brickyard 400 has been reinstated after a two‑year pause caused by the pandemic, restoring a marquee date that blends heritage with fresh competition.
A new qualifying approach
NASCAR will conduct a single‑car qualifying session on Saturday, giving each driver one lap around the 2.5‑mile track. The order will be determined by a two‑variable metric that combines current standings with the results of the most recent race, a system introduced in 2025.
Weather forecasts suggest possible rain, but officials have indicated that the session is expected to proceed as scheduled, preserving the weekend’s traditional rhythm.
Broadcast details
Live coverage will be provided by TNT, which will begin its broadcast at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, July 26, allowing viewers to experience the final build‑up to the green flag and the race itself.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, situated in Indiana, is recognized not as a superspeedway or drafting track but as a unique challenge that rewards strategy, car setup and driver skill.