Start Your Engines: What Is the Brickyard 400?
The Brickyard 400 is back on the oval — and it’s more than a NASCAR race. It’s a Hoosier summer tradition. Held at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway over the weekend of July 24–26, 2026, this 160-lap NASCAR Cup Series race draws tens of thousands to the heart of Speedway, Indiana for three days of speed, history, and Indiana pride.
First run in 1994, the Brickyard 400 became an instant classic, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans and earning its place as a crown jewel on the NASCAR calendar. From the famous “kissing the bricks” tradition to past wins by legends like Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart, the Brickyard isn’t just another stop on the schedule — it’s a career-defining moment.
Kissing the bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway | NASCAR
2026 Brickyard Weekend Schedule
It’s a full three days of on-track action. Here’s the lay of the land — gate and session times are firmed up closer to race weekend, so confirm before you head out:
Friday, July 24 – Practice day. Gates open around 10:00 AM. Cup Series and Pennzoil 250 cars take the track.
Saturday, July 25 – Gates open around 11:00 AM. Cup qualifying plus the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity) Pennzoil 250.
Sunday, July 26 – Gates open around 10:00 AM. The Brickyard 400 presented by PPG, green flag at 2:00 PM ET.
Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W 16th St, Speedway, IN.
Tickets & the Free Friday Hack
Tickets, parking, and add-ons are on the official IMS Brickyard page. Starting prices:
Friday – from $15
Saturday (Pennzoil 250) – from $35
Sunday (Brickyard 400) – from $40
The money-saver: buy a Saturday or Sunday ticket and IMS adds a complimentary Friday General Admission ticket to your account — free access to Friday’s practice sessions.
Kids get in free. Children 15 and under are admitted free all weekend long when accompanied by a General Admission or Flex Admission adult.
Parking
Free GA lots (like Lot 7) are available, but get there early. Reserved parking runs roughly $20–$50. Some locals even rent out their lawns — classic Speedway hospitality.
Bring Your Own Cooler (Yes, Really)
Here’s something almost no other major sports venue allows: IMS lets you bring in your own food and drinks — including beer and wine. A few rules to know:
No glass. That’s the one hard line — no glass containers, period.
Size limit: coolers and bags must be 18” x 15” x 15” or smaller.
Garage/pit exception: if you have a garage or pit pass, you can’t carry coolers or alcohol into those zones.
Pack water, snacks, and your beverage of choice and you’ll save a small fortune over concession prices.
What to Pack for the Track
Late-July Indiana heat on aluminum grandstands is no joke. Come prepared:
Seat cushion: grandstand seats are hard metal — a cushion or folding seat is a lifesaver over a long day.
Ear protection: earplugs or a scanner headset are non-negotiable, especially for kids. Stock cars are loud.
Sunscreen: aerosol cans are banned at the gate, but aerosol sunscreen is specifically exempt and allowed. There’s almost no shade.
Comfy shoes: you’ll walk a lot. IMS is enormous.
What to Leave in the Car
Security confiscates prohibited items at the gate and there’s no holding area, so don’t bring:
Glass containers of any kind
Drones, selfie sticks, and pets — banned from the grounds entirely
Umbrellas, strollers, and flags are restricted in VIP and Concert Pit areas — leave them at your vehicle if that’s where you’re headed
Why This Race Matters to Indiana
It’s part of our racing legacy: The Brickyard 400 brought stock cars to IMS for the first time in 1994 — cementing Indy as more than just an open-wheel town.
A true Hoosier tradition: From family tailgates to fence-climbing victories, this race has been a summer staple for decades.
Economic impact: The event pumps millions into Indy’s economy and showcases Indiana to the national spotlight.
Indiana roots run deep: From Jeff Gordon (Pittsboro) to Tony Stewart (Columbus) to hometown favorite Chase Briscoe (Mitchell), this race has produced legendary local moments.
Where to Eat Near IMS
Make a pit stop at some local Speedway favorites:
Dawson’s on Main – A local institution known for steaks and strong drinks.
Big Woods Speedway – Great outdoor beer garden, live music during race weekend.
Mug-N-Bun – Classic Indiana drive-in with frosty mugs of root beer.
Daredevil Brewing Co. – Craft beer right down the street from the Speedway.
Foyt Wine Vault – AJ Foyt’s wine bar and racing museum in one.
Family Fun at the Brickyard
The Brickyard is genuinely family-friendly. Kids 15 and under are free all weekend, and the Infield Fan Midway is packed with merch tents, driver Q&As, autograph sessions, and family activities. Arrive early on race day to catch drivers signing before they head to their cars.
Don’t miss the Yard of Bricks — head to the frontstretch near Gate 9 to snap a photo of the famous start/finish line.
FAQs: Fast Answers for Brickyard Weekend
Q: When is the Brickyard 400?
A: Sunday, July 26, 2026, with the green flag at 2:00 PM ET. The full weekend runs July 24–26.
Q: Can I bring my own cooler and drinks?
A: Yes. IMS allows outside food and drinks — including beer and wine — in a cooler or bag up to 18” x 15” x 15”. No glass containers.
Q: Is there a way to get into Friday for free?
A: Yes. Buy a Saturday or Sunday ticket and IMS adds a complimentary Friday General Admission ticket to your account.
Q: How much are tickets?
A: Starting prices are $15 Friday, $35 Saturday, and $40 Sunday. Kids 15 and under are free all weekend with a General Admission or Flex adult.
Q: What can’t I bring?
A: Glass, drones, selfie sticks, and pets are banned from the grounds. Umbrellas, strollers, and flags are restricted in the VIP and Concert Pit areas.
Q: Where do I buy tickets?
A: At the official Indianapolis Motor Speedway Brickyard page.
Don’t Miss the Brickyard
Whether you’re a die-hard race fan or just in it for the atmosphere (and the tenderloins), the Brickyard 400 is an essential Indiana experience. The pageantry, the thunder of the engines, the echo of tradition — it all hits different at the Yard of Bricks.
Bring your crew, pack your cooler, and we’ll see you at IMS!