Meet the Field: Brickyard 400 Driver Lineup
The Brickyard 400 is shaping up to be one of the most electric stops on the NASCAR calendar. From veteran champions to rising stars and Indiana-born talent, the entry list is packed with horsepower and hometown pride. The green flag drops Sunday, July 26 at 2:00 PM ET — but here’s who to watch before the rubber meets the bricks.
About 37 chartered Cup Series cars make the field, with a few open entries looking to punch their ticket into the show at the Racing Capital of the World.
The Big Names Gunning for Glory
These Cup Series heavy-hitters are all expected to make a run at the win:
Kyle Larson – The open-wheel-and-stock-car master in the No. 5 Hendrick Chevy is always a threat to kiss the bricks.
Denny Hamlin – The flat-track ace in the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota has chased a Brickyard win for years and wants it badly.
Ryan Blaney & Austin Cindric – Team Penske’s pair carry extra weight here, driving for track owner Roger Penske.
William Byron – A former Brickyard winner, the No. 24 Hendrick driver knows how to get around IMS.
Christopher Bell & Tyler Reddick – Two of the sport’s smoothest on flat ovals, both squarely in the contender conversation.
Hendrick Motorsports has long been dominant at IMS, with the most Brickyard 400 victories of any team. Don’t count them out.
Indiana’s Hometown Hero
Chase Briscoe (Mitchell, IN)
The Hoosier hope. Briscoe now pilots the legendary No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, and few drivers want this one more — he grew up dreaming of winning at Indy. If he’s near the front late, expect the grandstands to erupt.
Storylines & Rising Stars to Watch
Connor Zilisch (No. 88, Trackhouse Racing) – The highly touted rookie makes a much-anticipated oval debut at IMS.
Shane van Gisbergen (No. 97, Trackhouse Racing) – The international road-course star tests his craft on a pure, flat oval.
Carson Hocevar (No. 77, Spire Motorsports) – Young, fast, and fearless through the Speedway’s narrow corridors.
New This Year: The In-Season Challenge Finale
The Brickyard 400 doubles as the fifth and final race of NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge — the bracket-style tournament crowns its champion right here on the Yard of Bricks, adding a second layer of drama to race day. The weekend also moves to a new TNT and Prime Video broadcast team featuring Adam Alexander, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Steve Letarte.
More Than Three Decades of Brickyard Glory
It’s been over 30 years since Indiana’s own Jeff Gordon won the inaugural 1994 Brickyard 400 and changed racing history. Keep an eye out for former winners in attendance and the traditions — from “kissing the bricks” to fence-climbing celebrations — that make this race feel different from anywhere else.
🏁 Ready to Cheer for Your Favorite Driver?
Whether you’re repping Briscoe, pulling for a contender chasing the In-Season title, or just soaking up the atmosphere — the Brickyard 400 always brings the drama. Come for the horsepower, stay for the Hoosier pride.
And don’t forget — check out our full Brickyard 400 guide here to plan your whole race weekend.
