Brickyard 400 Returns to Indianapolis in 2026
The Brickyard 400, NASCAR’s storied 400‑mile race on the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will return to the track on July 26, 2026 after a multi‑year hiatus. The event will sit as the 22nd points‑paying date of the 2026 season and will bring the iconic oval back to the summer schedule.
A total of 39 cars have been locked in for the race, headlined by defending champion Bubba Wallace, who is aiming to become the first driver in several years to win back‑to‑back Brickyard 400 events. The entry list blends championship contenders, former winners, rising stars and seasoned veterans, including Ryan Blaney, Todd Gilliland, Casey Mears, Connor Zilisch, Corey Heim, Austin Hill and Daniel Dye.
In‑Season Challenge and Prize Money
The race forms part of the 2026 NASCAR In‑Season Challenge, a special series that awards a $1 million grand prize to the driver who accumulates the most points across the designated events. Ryan Blaney and Todd Gilliland are among the contenders vying for that lucrative incentive, adding an extra layer of strategy to the competition.
For Bubba Wallace, the stakes are personal. He hopes to join an exclusive group of drivers who have captured consecutive victories at Indianapolis, a milestone that would reinforce his status as one of the sport’s current marquee talents.
Teams will use the practice days to fine‑tune aerodynamic setups and tire strategies on the 2.5‑mile oval, where balance and grip can make the difference between a podium finish and a mid‑pack result. The data gathered will heavily influence qualifying decisions and the final running order when the 160‑lap battle finally begins.