For NASCAR drivers, there are certain races that define a career. Winning the Daytona 500, the Coca-Cola 600, the Southern 500, and the Brickyard 400 Presented by PPG places a driver’s name among some of the sport’s greatest competitors.
This Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series returns to the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway for one of the most prestigious events on the calendar. Whether you’re attending your first Brickyard 400 or making your annual trip to IMS, here’s everything you should know before race day.
Why Is the Brickyard 400 So Special?
When the inaugural Brickyard 400 was held in 1994, it instantly became one of NASCAR’s biggest events. For decades, stock car racing fans had dreamed of seeing NASCAR compete on the same historic oval that hosts the Indianapolis 500.
Since then, winning at IMS has become one of the highest honors in motorsports.
The Brickyard 400 isn’t just another race on the schedule—it’s one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events, attracting the sport’s biggest stars to one of the world’s most iconic racetracks.
For many drivers, adding a Brickyard victory to their résumé is a career-defining achievement.
Racing at the World’s Most Famous Speedway
Indianapolis Motor Speedway is unlike any other venue on the NASCAR schedule.
The historic 2.5-mile oval has challenged the world’s best drivers for more than a century. Long straightaways, four distinct corners, and the precision required to maintain speed make every lap a test of patience and skill.
Unlike many modern speedways, IMS rewards consistency and strategy just as much as outright speed.
That’s one of the reasons the Brickyard 400 continues to produce memorable finishes year after year.
The Tradition of Kissing the Bricks
One of the most recognizable traditions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway happens after the checkered flag.
The winning driver and team gather at the famous Yard of Bricks on the start-finish line to celebrate by kissing the original bricks that remain from the Speedway’s earliest days.
The tradition began after the inaugural Brickyard 400 and has since become one of the most iconic victory celebrations in motorsports.
Today, fans from around the world stop to photograph the bricks and create their own memorable moment at IMS.
What to Expect on Race Day
Sunday offers much more than the race itself.
Fans arriving early can enjoy a full day of activities before engines fire.
The schedule includes pre-race entertainment, the Brick Walk experience for eligible ticket holders, driver introductions, ceremonial festivities, and the incredible atmosphere that builds as grandstands begin to fill.
It’s worth arriving well before the green flag to experience everything happening around the Speedway.
The Fan Experience
One of our favorite things about race day is simply walking around Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The Fan Midway is filled with sponsor activations, interactive displays, official NASCAR merchandise, giveaways, food vendors, and opportunities to experience the sport beyond what happens on the track.
Whether you’re shopping for your favorite driver’s merchandise or grabbing lunch before the race, there’s always something happening throughout the venue.
Tips for Your First Brickyard 400
If this is your first NASCAR race at IMS, here are a few recommendations from our experience covering events at the Speedway:
- Plan to arrive early, as traffic increases significantly closer to race time.
- Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll likely walk several miles throughout the day.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and stay hydrated.
- Keep your phone charged for photos and videos.
- Take time to explore the Yard of Bricks before or after the race.
- Visit the IMS Museum if your schedule allows.
Most importantly, don’t rush. Some of the best memories come from simply soaking in the atmosphere before the race begins.
Why Every Racing Fan Should Experience It
Watching the Brickyard 400 on television is exciting, but nothing compares to experiencing it in person.
The sound of 40 NASCAR Cup Series cars accelerating down the front straightaway, the energy from tens of thousands of fans, and the history surrounding Indianapolis Motor Speedway create an atmosphere unlike any other sporting event.
Whether you’re a lifelong NASCAR fan or simply looking for an unforgettable Indiana experience, the Brickyard 400 deserves a place on your bucket list.
We’ll Be There
Our team at We Like Indy will be covering the Brickyard 400 throughout the weekend with exclusive photos, behind-the-scenes content, race-day highlights, and coverage from inside Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and visit welikeindy.com after the race for our full recap and photo gallery.
If you’re attending this weekend, enjoy every moment. Few sporting events carry the tradition, history, and excitement of the Brickyard 400, and there’s no better place to experience it than the Racing Capital of the World.
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