CONCORD, N.C. - This weekend, Hendrick Motorsports returns to one of the most famous racetracks in the world. That said, the trip will see the NASCAR Cup Series back on the oval configuration of Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 30th anniversary of the Brickyard 400.
Indianapolis' nickname of "The Brickyard" comes from the original racing surface of track. When construction first began in 1909, the entire racing surface was composed of brick. While the facility opted for asphalt as racing grew and progressed, a single strip of bricks still lies just past the start/finish line as a tribute to the speedway's past. As for the design of the track, four low-banked corners (roughly nine degree) make up the 2.5-mile circuit and will provide quite the challenge for drivers looking to claim a crown jewel victory on Sunday afternoon.
In total, Rick Hendrick's team has collected a record 10 victories on the oval layout of Indianapolis. Currently, vice chairman Jeff Gordon's five wins are the most by any driver in Cup Series history while Jimmie Johnson's four victories are the second most. Kasey Kahne is the most recent winner of the event for Hendrick Motorsports having won the race in 2017.
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KEY NUMBERS TO KNOW FOR INDIANAPOLIS
Data provided by Racing Insights
Larson, No. 5 team
With 755 laps led through 21 races, Kyle Larson continues to lead the Cup Series in this category. The driver of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com entry also leads the field in laps run inside the top-five (2891), average running position (9.29) and average starting position (9.65). Despite trailing by three points to Chase Elliott in the regular season standings, Larson will aim to win for the first time at Indianapolis this weekend.
Elliott, No. 9 team
Following Pocono, Elliott regained his status as the regular season points leader. In the last five races, the Dawsonville, Georgia, native has earned 156 points, the third-most of any driver in the Cup Series. He continues to lead the way in average finish as well (10.52). For Indianapolis, Elliott will have his sights set on his first career crown jewel victory this weekend.
Byron, No. 24 team
While Byron has yet to win at Indianapolis in the Cup Series, the driver of the No. 24 Valvoline Chevrolet is the youngest driver to win at the 2.5-mile layout in NASCAR history as he took home the top spot in the NASCAR Xfinity Series main event in 2017. This season, Byron's 12 top-10 finishes and seven top-five results put him in a tie for the second-most in the Cup Series in both categories. The team will look to build off a fourth-place finish at Pocono Raceway last weekend.
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Bowman, No. 48 team
The No. 48 Ally Racing team's latest charge has vaulted the group into the top 10 in points. In fact, the group sits in a tie for fourth in terms of the most points scored in the last five races. But this consistency did not come overnight. Bowman's average finish in 2024 is 13.29, the fourth-best of all full-time competitors in the Cup Series. His 12 top-10 results put him in a tie with Byron for the second-most on the circuit. Watch for Bowman to continue his momentum after a strong third-place finish at Pocono as the group looks forward to the 2.5-mile track.
Hendrick Motorsports
In the last 33 races, all four drivers from Hendrick Motorsports have gone to victory lane at least once. In fact, at least one of the team's four drivers have finished inside the top 10 in 32 of the most recent 33 events. The result? All four drivers are locked into the 2024 playoffs and sit inside the top-10 spots in the regular season standings.
DID YOU KNOW?
Hendrick Motorsports currently leads the Cup Series in wins (eight), poles (six), top-five finishes (28), and top 10s (44) this season.
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND TV COVERAGE
Friday, July 19
2:35 p.m. ET: Practice - NBC Sports App
Saturday, July 20
1:05 p.m. ET: Qualifying - USA Network
For the Cup Series, Byron will be in Group A. Larson, Elliott and Bowman will be in Group B.
Sunday, July 21
2:30 p.m. ET: Cup Series main event - NBC
STAGE LENGTHS
Stage 1: Lap 50
Stage 2: Lap 100
End of Race: Lap 160
WILL THE RACE BE ON THE RADIO?
Yes, the Cup Series race will be broadcast on the IMS Radio Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (channel 90).
CAN I STREAM ONLINE?
Yes. Download the NBC Sports App for online coverage. Fans can also keep up with the action on X by following @TeamHendrick.