NASCAR
Seas Part for Kyle Larson to Claim 30th Anniversary Brickyard 400
SPEEDWAY, Ind. – 1994 saw racing phenom Jeff Gordon immortalized with the maiden Brickyard 400 win. Three decades later, the modern equivalent of Gordon wins at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While Kyle Larson may not have been the fastest car all day, his No. 5 was in the perfect position to capitalize on others’ mistakes and claim a third crown jewel win.
The Brickyard 400’s opening laps were defined by Toyotas. Pit strategy handed both Stage wins to Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace. Stage 3 began with Hamlin out front, only for the No. 11 to get wrecked out from an overtime restart.
Out front, a fuel mileage finish was shaping up between Brad Keselowski, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Larson. Keselowski’s bid for a second Brickyard triumph ran dry, however. The No. 6 had an empty fuel tank coming to the first overtime restart. Keselowski pitting prior to the restart zone allowed Larson to shift to the front row, and take the lead by turn one.
With another major wreck behind the leaders, Blaney had one more shot at Larson on a second overtime attempt. The 5 cleared the 12 by turn two and began to drive off into the sunset. A stalled Ryan Preece saw the caution fly after the white flag, sealing the win for Larson. ‘Yung Money’ now has three of the four NASCAR crown jewel wins, and a series-leading four 2024 victories.
“It’s for sure up there,” Larson said when asked where the Brickyard win ranks. “This is just such a prestigious place, such hallowed ground. Pretty neat to get an opportunity to race here on the oval again.”
“What a job by our team. I mean, never gave up at all. We had the pit stop issue there early on. Just fought and dug and had things work out.”
“Just can’t thank them enough. Hendrickcars.com, Valvoline, Chevrolet, JINYA Ramen Bar, Prime, all the fans, too. I love you, Indiana fans. I know you guys love me, too. How about we come back next May and try to kiss these bricks in an INDYCAR?”
“We’re working on it. I hope we can announce (another Indy 500 ride) soon. See you guys all next May.”
“I wish we could have got to do both and run the 600. We had a phenomenal car for that race, too.”
“I think everything just comes full circle. Everything is meant to be. Today definitely meant to be for us. With the way the strategy was working out, Brad running out of fuel, me inheriting the front row. A lot had to fall into place. Thankfully it did.”
“I can’t believe it. It’s surreal, the win here. Can’t wait to kiss the bricks with my team, Rick Hendrick who is here finally, my family, my friends. My parents are here. We’ll be celebrating these next couple weeks.”
Rallying to second behind Larson on the last restart was Tyler Reddick. The polesitter led a race-high 40 laps, and finishes in the top-three for the third time in the last four weeks. Blaney, Christopher Bell, and Bubba Wallace were the rest of the top-five. Todd Gilliland, Austin Cindric, Daniel Suarez, Noah Gragson, and Chase Elliott rounded out the top-10.
Larson bests all drivers with four wins in 2024, as well as being the regular season championship leader. Despite the heartbreak from the ill-fated Indy/Charlotte Double in May, 2024 appears to be shaping up as Kyle Larson’s year.
Great change among the Playoff standings includes more bonus points for Larson, and a tighter cut line battle. Take a look at the updated grid below, with four races left in the regular season.
Following a two week summer break, the NASCAR Cup Series returns August 11 at Richmond Raceway. The Cook Out 400 goes green at 6 p.m. ET on USA, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Richmond will be the points race debut of option tires, throwing a new element into this race’s strategy.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to James Gilbert/Getty Images
