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3 Years After Being Expunged From NASCAR Cup Series Schedule, Indy Oval to Return in 2024

Published 09/29/2023, 8:25 PM EDT

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In a thrilling announcement for NASCAR fans, the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval will make a triumphant return to the NASCAR Cup Series calendar in 2024. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NASCAR jointly confirmed the long-awaited return of the Brickyard 400—a race that has been a cherished jewel in the NASCAR crown since its debut in 1994.

After concluding the 2020 Cup season, NASCAR and IMS removed the event from the schedule amid dwindling spectatorship. However, it left both fans and drivers yearning for its revival. While the Cup Series continued to compete at IMS, it did so on a road course layout. Despite the drama and excitement of these races, the call for the oval’s return grew louder every year. The introduction of the Next Gen car, which has received mixed reviews on road courses but has excelled on larger ovals, further fueled the desire to bring back the Brickyard 400.

NASCAR announces the return to Indy Oval for the 2024 season

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In a much-anticipated announcement, NASCAR and IMS confirmed that the Brickyard 400 will make its grand return to the Cup schedule in 2024, marking its 30th anniversary. Not only will the oval return for the Cup Series, but the Xfinity Series will also be back at the iconic speedway with a thrilling 250-mile race on Saturday, July 20.

The Brickyard 400 itself will take place on Sunday, July 21, promising high-speed action and heart-pounding moments. The event’s rich history includes legendary drivers like Jeff Gordon, who holds the record for the most wins at IMS with five victories. With former champions like Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch on the grid, the 2024 return promises to be a memorable one for NASCAR fans. While NASCAR has not yet released the complete 2024 schedule. The return of the iconic oval track is undoubtedly a highlight.

NASCAR announced yesterday with the following tweet, “The #NASCAR Cup Series is set to return to the @IMS Oval in 2024.

In another exciting development, NASCAR’s Cup Series All-Star Race is set to return to North Wilkesboro Speedway for a second consecutive year.

Steve Phelps is excited to return to North Wilkesboro Speedway second year in a row

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The decision comes on the heels of this year’s event. Which saw a capacity crowd and marked the first race for NASCAR’s top series at the historic track in 27 years. The non-points exhibition race, a beloved tradition, will maintain its position on the calendar, taking place on the weekend before the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

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NASCAR President Steve Phelps praised the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro as one of the highlights of NASCAR’s 75th anniversary season in 2023. The event, along with NASCAR’s first-ever street race in Chicago, garnered widespread acclaim and enthusiasm.

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“We are so thrilled to be coming back with the All-Star Race,” Steve Phelps said according to Quartz.com, adding, “Feeling the love from the state and its politicians is really important, and it influences decisions that we make. We want to make sure that we stay tied to the history and the DNA and the roots of NASCAR. But continue to push the boundaries on bringing our sport to different places.”

Phelps acknowledged the importance of North Wilkesboro’s return, both in terms of nostalgia and its role in attracting new fans. He emphasized NASCAR’s commitment to honoring its history while exploring new horizons for the sport.

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What are your fondest memories of the Brickyard 400? And how do you feel about the All-Star Race’s return to North Wilkesboro? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Written by:

Veerendra Vikram Singh

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Veerendra Vikram Singh is a NASCAR Writer at EssentiallySports. With a natural affinity for motorsports, he brings a unique perspective to his coverage of everything NASCAR. His love for sports extends way beyond NASCAR, encompassing Formula 1 and MotoGP and a few other motorsports as well.
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Edited by:

Nischal Kandpal