Three long years have passed since the iconic Indianapolis Oval last roared with the thunderous engines of NASCAR’s finest. The 2024 season brings a long-awaited gift to racing enthusiasts as the crown jewel of NASCAR is set to return to the calendar. In the coming year, the Indy race weekend would not just be any race; it would be a momentous occasion, marking the 30th anniversary of Jeff Gordon‘s historic win back in 1994. The event is poised to pay homage to that legendary victory, with the 2024 Brickyard 400 logo adorned in flashes of gold and purple.
But the journey to this point has been a tumultuous one. The Brickyard 400 has experienced ups and downs, from sellout crowds in the 1990s to the tire debacle of 2008, which left a stain on both the track and NASCAR. Attendance had plummeted, and desperate measures were taken, from changing race dates to exploring track configurations. Ultimately, in 2021, the race underwent a radical shift to the road course, injecting new life into the event. However, as is often the case with NASCAR decisions, this move too was met with criticism.
Kyle Larson eyes 2024 for history-making double victory sweep
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The iconic 2.5-mile oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been silent, devoid of the thundering stock cars that once graced its hallowed ground. The fans, too, have been deprived of the electrifying oval racing spectacle for three years now. Discontent swirled and uncertainty spread, but now, all these can be put to rest.
The Indy track president Doug Boles couldn’t contain his excitement as he declared, “While it’s been exciting to watch the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series drivers tackle the IMS road course over the past three years, being back on the oval for the 30th anniversary is a much-anticipated homecoming for drivers and fans alike. Whether you’ve been with us all 30 years or are a new fan, the celebration as we ‘come back around’ will be can’t-miss and truly unforgettable.”
Amidst the rising chatter, Hendrick Motorsports star Kyle Larson takes center stage, eyeing to complete “The Double” in 2024 as he steps into the suit of a rookie. Behind the wheel of his new open-wheel Indy car, Larson is gearing up to play a rookie on the Brickyard race weekend in the IndyCar series, tearing down the track in his orange & blue ride, all thanks to the collaboration between HMS and Arrow McLaren. With the crown jewel back on the calendar, Larson took to Instagram to share his excitement with race fans, expressing his desire to achieve something extraordinary in both the IndyCar and Cup car on the iconic oval in the same year.
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He wrote, “Hey, race fans! I’m really excited to get to go back to the oval next year in the Cup series with the Brickyard 400. Looking forward to hopefully doing something pretty special next year. I would love to be able to win on the oval in the same year, in IndyCar as well as the Cup car, so I appreciate the track bringing back the oval, and I know we are all really excited to get another crown jewel back.”
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Roaring fan support as Larson’s Brickyard 400 dream takes flight!
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As the excitement reached its crescendo, fans from all over, comment after comment poured in with their support, reflecting the fervor surrounding Larson’s ambitious endeavor. One fan exclaimed, “Talk about a historic combo of wins in the same year! LFG!!!” This sentiment was echoed by many, with cheers of “All hail Kyle Larson” and “So pumped to watch this!”
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The optimism was palpable as another supporter chimed in, saying, “Would love to see him win in Indianapolis, in both Indy and NASCAR. If anyone can do it, it’s Kyle Larson.” The anticipation for a clean sweep was electric, with fans eagerly declaring, “Can’t wait for the clean sweep!” and “Finally, great news!”
The collective joy was infectious, and fans rallied behind the exciting prospect of Larson’s double triumph. “Let’s make it a double!” one enthusiast exclaimed, while another simply expressed, “Good deal!! Glad back oval!!”
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With the Bristol dirt and now the Indy road course being kicked out of the 2024 schedule, what are your thoughts on these recent developments?