Brickyard 400 Preview

Winning the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway demands more than just horsepower—it requires an exacting combination of technical execution, race management, and strategic discipline on one of NASCAR’s most storied stages. 

The 2.5-mile rectangular oval challenges drivers with long straightaways and four tight, flat corners banked at just 9 degrees. Success hinges on mastering corner entry and exit while maintaining aerodynamic stability at high speeds.

Momentum through the turns must be preserved with smooth, consistent lines, as aggression often leads to costly mistakes. With passing at a premium due to the track’s narrow groove and turbulent air, every decision—from qualifying position to pit strategy—becomes magnified. Restarts and fuel mileage frequently decide the outcome, as drivers must capitalize on brief windows of opportunity to gain or maintain track position. 

The winner at Indy typically delivers a nearly flawless race across all 160 laps, blending precision with poise.

In the 2024 edition of the Brickyard 400, Kyle Larson delivered just that. On July 21, he captured his first career win at the famed speedway, starting fifth and battling through multiple overtime restarts in a wild finish. 

Although Larson led only eight laps, he timed his late-race push with surgical precision, pouncing during the final restart and holding strong through the closing laps to secure a dramatic double-overtime victory. Tyler Reddick and Ryan Blaney followed in second and third, while Christopher Bell and Bubba Wallace completed the top five.

On Sunday, Denny Hamlin took the checkered flag at the 2025 AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400, securing back-to-back wins at Dover after a rain delay forced the race into double overtime. 

Hamlin finished just 0.310 seconds ahead of teammate Chase Briscoe, with Alex Bowman in third, Kyle Larson in fourth, and Ty Gibbs in fifth. That win marked Hamlin’s fourth of the 2025 season and the 58th of his Cup Series career, keeping him firmly in the playoff conversation.

Entering the summer stretch, Chase Elliott leads the Driver’s Standings with 702 points, followed closely by William Byron at 686 and Larson at 664. Larson’s consistency continues to keep him near the top, and his recent results show he remains one of the most dangerous drivers on the circuit.

Larson’s strengths align perfectly with what Indianapolis demands. He brings an elite mix of throttle control, cornering precision, and mental focus that allows him to thrive on technical ovals like the Brickyard. The layout demands rhythm, and Larson has demonstrated an uncanny ability to settle into the kind of consistent, lap-after-lap performance that pays off over long green-flag runs.

His multi-disciplinary background—ranging from dirt racing to open-wheel events—gives him heightened spatial awareness and a fearless, yet composed approach in traffic. Those qualities are crucial at Indy, where restarts are chaotic and the margins for error razor-thin. His ability to find clean air, execute crisp passes when needed, and avoid overdriving late in runs separates him from many of his peers on tracks with similar characteristics.

Larson’s 2024 win at the Brickyard further cemented his credentials. In that race, he capitalized on restarts, displayed strategic patience, and didn’t flinch when the field bunched up in overtime. That level of poise and execution will again be key if he’s to challenge for the top spot in 2025. Hendrick Motorsports, with its legacy of success at Indy, provides Larson with elite race setups, rapid pit execution, and real-time adjustments to maximize his strengths.

Given Larson’s current form, team support, and ability to master both the technical and psychological demands of the Brickyard, he enters the 2025 edition of the race as a clear contender. Expect him to be in the mix for another top-three finish as he continues to build one of the most well-rounded résumés in modern NASCAR.

Pick: Kyle Larson | Dafabet