The NASCAR Cup Series will have to unravel the challenges of back-to-back road course events as it heads to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
It is the first time since NASCAR hit the track in 1994 that the Cup race will not be held on the oval layout.
Thirty-nine cars are set to take the green flag this weekend, guaranteeing each team a spot, barring any late changes.
AJ Allmendinger returns to the series for his fourth start of the year, representing Kaulig Racing’s No. 16 LeafFilter Chevrolet. Allmendinger has recorded two top 10s in three starts in 2021.
Austin Cindric will make his seventh and final Cup start of the season in the No. 33 MoneyLion Ford for Team Penske.
Kyle Tilley is scheduled to make his fourth start, second consecutive, behind the wheel of the No. 78 Blacktop Mojo Ford for Live Fast Motorsports.
A driver has not yet been announced for Rick Ware Racing’s No. 53.
Drivers will cross the yard of bricks in the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard on Aug. 15 at 1 p.m. ET on NBC.
Entering his fifth year with Frontstretch, Luken Glover is the author of The Underdog House, shedding light on the motivation and performance of NASCAR's dark horse teams as they strive to fight to the top. Additionally, Glover reports for the site at various events, and he contributes in the video editing department.
A 2023 graduate of the University of the Cumberlands, Glover is a middle school math and PE teacher, as well as a basketball coach. He is passionate about serving in his church, playing/coaching a wide variety of sports, and researching motorsports history.