NASCAR: Brickyard 400 return only temporary for Indianapolis?

NASCAR: Brickyard 400 return only temporary for Indianapolis?

As a long-time NASCAR fan with countless weekends spent at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this past weekend was a thrilling one for me. The return of the Brickyard 400 to the oval after three years on the road course was a sight to behold. However, it wasn’t without its challenges.


Last weekend, IndyCar racing fans flocked to Speedway, Indiana, with Indianapolis Motor Speedway being the main attraction. After a three-year absence, NASCAR came back to the oval track for the revival of the Brickyard 400 race.

An unexpected setback occurred during the crown jewel’s return when tires blew out, creating troubles. This issue had long been associated with stock cars and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. However, Kyle Larson’s thrilling comeback victory captured everyone’s attention and overshadowed the earlier concerns.

As someone who has attended numerous racing events over the years, I can confidently say that the recent Brickyard 400 with fans in attendance was a huge success. The fan turnout exceeded expectations, with ticket sales jumping by an impressive 20% to 25% compared to the last event held in 2019. With approximately 70,000 people in attendance, the return of fans to this iconic race was not only exciting but also a smart decision. The energy and atmosphere created by the crowd made for an unforgettable experience that truly brought the race to life. It’s moments like these that remind me of why I love being a part of the racing community.

And while a return to the oval is all but confirmed for next year, it may not be permanent after that.

President Doug Boles of Indianapolis Motor Speedway revealed plans for a return to the classic 4.023-kilometer, four-turn oval track in 2025. However, NASCAR has not endorsed this announcement as of yet. Moreover, Boles mentioned the possibility of alternating between the oval and the 3.925-kilometer, 13-turn road course following the oval race. In simpler terms, Boles shared that the traditional 2.5-mile oval circuit might make a comeback in 2025 for NASCAR events, although this decision is yet to be confirmed by NASCAR. Additionally, he suggested the possibility of racing on the road course afterward.

An alternating schedule might be beneficial. Given that tire wear concerns emerged during Sunday’s race, taking a pause from oval tracks could allow NASCAR and Goodyear to create tires better suited for extended use on the track.

Moreover, the road race course wasn’t a complete failure when it came to providing excitement. For instance, the 2021 race ended with Chase Briscoe crashing into Denny Hamlin, denying Hamlin a victory. However, despite the thrilling finish, hosting a road race might not have been the most cost-effective decision.

In the year 2021, the initial race on the road course took place, with approximately 50,000 to 60,000 tickets being sold according to reports. Some might see a return to the road course as taking a step back. However, NASCAR has expressed a need to keep things exciting for fans. Alternating between oval and road course races could accomplish this goal for everyone involved.

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2024-07-25 15:02

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