CONCORD, N.C. - It will surely be a historic weekend in Indiana when Hendrick Motorsports and the NASCAR Cup Series take to Indianapolis Motor Speedway's oval configuration for the first time since 2020.
"The Brickyard", as the track is also known, comes from the facility's original racing surface. While the entire 2.5-mile circuit now features asphalt for drivers to compete on, Indianapolis was originally built in 1909 with a racing surface made of brick. Although the surface has changed, one single strip of bricks remain just past the start/finish line. With roughly nine degrees of banking in each of the four corners, the track's flat surface serves as a unique challenge for competitors looking to take home one of the sport's most prestigious races.
In total, Hendrick Motorsports has won a record 10 times on the oval configuration at Indianapolis. Currently vice chairman Jeff Gordon's five victories are the most 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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Kyle Larson will drive the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Fan Appreciation Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 this weekend in Indianapolis. The paint scheme boasts the same special colors he planned to run in the Coca-Cola 600 before rain brought the crown jewel race to an early ending.
SEE THE SPECIAL SCHEME: All angles of Larson's ride for Indy
The NAPA Auto Parts white colors will return to the track this weekend. Elliott, once again the regular season points leader, will also aim to win for the first time in his career at the 2.5-mile oval. In 2020, his last event on the oval layout, Elliott would lead 26 circuits and score stage points in both segments before earning an 11th-place finish.
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William Byron will sport the Valvoline colors this weekend in Indiana. While the driver of the No. 24 entry has yet to win in the Cup Series at the famous venue, he is the youngest ever driver to win a NASCAR sanctioned race at Indianapolis as he won the NASCAR Xfinity Series main event in 2017 at 19 years old.
COLORS FOR THE NO. 24: Check out Byron's Valvoline paint scheme
The primary paint scheme for the No. 48 Ally Racing team will once again be on display this weekend. Alex Bowman has led the charge for the team in the past two weeks with a victory the Chicago Street Course and a third-place run at Pocono Raceway. He'll aim to continue this streak on Sunday in Indiana.
Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Fan Appreciation Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Chase Elliott, No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
William Byron, No. 24 Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Alex Bowman, No. 48 Ally Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
