The Brickyard 400 is set to make its highly anticipated return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26, 2026, bringing the iconic 2.5‑mile oval back into the NASCAR Cup Series calendar after a multi‑year absence.
A Milestone Return to the Brickyard
The race will consist of 160 laps, covering a total distance of 400 miles, and forms the centerpiece of the 2026 NASCAR In‑Season Challenge, a series‑wide competition that awards a $1 million prize to the event winner.
Practice and qualifying sessions are scheduled for the weekend preceding the Sunday showdown, giving teams ample time to fine‑tune setups on the demanding track.
Thirty‑nine drivers have been confirmed for the event, including defending champion Bubba Wallace, who is aiming to become the first driver in several years to win consecutive Brickyard 400 races.
Among the entries are championship contenders, former race winners, rising stars and seasoned veterans, with Ryan Blaney seeded No. 3 and Todd Gilliland positioned at No. 25 in the Champions Round.
Veteran Casey Mears and rookie Connor Zilisch join the lineup, while points‑ineligible competitors Corey Heim, Austin Hill and Daniel Dye are also slated to take part.
The field blends experience with fresh talent, promising a competitive spectacle that could reshape the playoff picture and deliver a memorable chapter in the Brickyard’s storied history.