NASCAR heads to Indiana this weekend for one of the most anticipated stretches of the season, with racing action split between two legendary venues: the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. With championship implications, a short-track showdown, and a million-dollar prize on the line, fans are in for a packed and unpredictable few days.
At Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Cup Series returns to the famed oval for the Brickyard 400. This year, the race carries even more significance as it doubles as the finale of NASCAR’s inaugural In-Season Challenge. The challenge has pitted drivers head-to-head in a bracket format throughout the season, with the winner at Indy earning a $1 million bonus. The Brickyard has long been one of NASCAR’s crown jewels, and this year’s race promises added drama with tournament glory and playoff momentum up for grabs.
Meanwhile, Friday night belongs to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, where the Xfinity Series will light up the short track with the TSport 200. Known for its tight turns and no-nonsense racing, the 0.686-mile oval offers a completely different kind of challenge. With its old-school feel and close-quarters action, this race gives up-and-coming drivers a chance to make a statement and provides a thrilling lead-in to Sunday’s main event.
One of the weekend’s biggest storylines is the surprising In-Season Challenge final: Ty Dillon vs. Ty Gibbs. Dillon, viewed by many as a longshot, has stunned the field with a series of upset victories to reach the championship round. Gibbs, a rising star and consistent performer, has lived up to expectations and now stands one win away from a major payday. Neither driver has a Cup win in over 370 combined starts, but come Sunday, one of them will leave Indy with a million-dollar check and a career-defining moment.
As for the broader Cup Series picture, the playoff race is tightening. Denny Hamlin leads the series with four wins, including a dramatic overtime victory at Dover. Several drivers remain winless but within striking distance of the playoff cutoff, keeping every race meaningful. While much of the attention this weekend will be on the Dillon-Gibbs showdown, the Brickyard 400 also offers valuable points and a chance to gain momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
With two tracks, three days of racing, and a seven-figure prize on the line, this weekend in Indiana is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal of the NASCAR season.
NASCAR Indianapolis Weekend Schedule
Friday July 25
12:05 pm Xfinity Series Practice, Streaming: CW App
1:00 pm ARCA Menards Series Practice (LOIRP)
1:05 pm Cup Series Practice, TV/Streaming: TruTV
2:00 pm ARCA Menards Series Qualifying (LOIRP)
3:05 pm Craftsman Truck Series Practice (LOIRP), TV/Streaming: FS1
4:10 pm Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying (LOIRP), TV/Streaming: FS1
5:30 pm ARCA Menards Series LiUNA! 150 presented by Dutch Boy (LOIRP), TV/Streaming: FS1; Radio: MRN
8:00 pm Craftsman Truck Series TSport 200 (LOIRP), TV/Streaming: FS1; Radio: MRN, SiriusXM Radio
Saturday July 28
1:00 pm Xfinity Series Qualifying, Streaming: CW App
2:35 pm Cup Series Qualifying, TV/Streaming: TruTV; Radio: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network, SiriusXM
4:30 pm Xfinity Series Pennzoil 250, TV/Streaming: CW; Radio: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network, SiriusXM
Sunday July 27
2:00 pm Cup Series Brickyard 400 Presented by PPC, TV/Streaming: TNT Sports, HBO MAX; Radio: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network, SiriusXM
Previous Winners
Cup Series: Kyle Larson (2024), Brad Keselowski (2018), Kyle Busch (2016, 2015)
Xfinity Series: Riley Herbst (2024), Kyle Busch (2019, 2016, 2015, 2013), Justin Allgaier (2018), William Byron (2017)
Craftsman Truck Series: Ty Majeski (2024, 2023), Grant Enfinger (2022)
ARCA Menards Series: Connor Zilisch (2024)
Weather
Here’s what to expect weather-wise at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend:
Friday, July 25 (Practice/Qualifying): Expect uncomfortably high humidity with scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Track sessions might be interrupted—stay weather-aware, and runners should plan for a quick dash between on-track activity and shelter.
Saturday, July 26 (Support Race at IMS): Conditions look particularly unsettled, with variable clouds and potential showers or storms. Warm and sticky—stay hydrated and plan accordingly for delays or track drying.
Sunday, July 27 (Brickyard 400): Mostly cloudy skies with humid air and a chance of stray thunderstorms. High temperatures near 88°F with sticky evening conditions. Rain could impact the race—teams and spectators should be prepared for weather-related strategy shifts.
Overall Tips:
-
Thunderstorms are likely each day—check radar before heading out.
-
Pack lightweight rain gear and umbrellas.
-
Bring plenty of water and wear breathable clothing for the humidity.
-
Keep an eye on announcements from officials in case of weather delays or red flags.
Race weekend will be hot, humid, and potentially stormy—your best bet is to stay alert to changing conditions and be flexible with your plans.
