By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
Indianapolis Motor Speedway has announced that the NASCAR Xfinity Series will race on the track’s road course layout on July 4.
The event will be the first time a NXS road course event is held at IMS. In addition, it will be the first time that stock cars have run a different layout other then the 2.5-mile oval.
New track owner Roger Penske and IMS President Doug Boles made the announcement during a press conference from the historic track on Wednesday.
The NASCAR doubleheader has a new spot on the schedule in 2020 as it will take place on Independence Day weekend.
“Pennzoil has enjoyed success on and off the track during its partnership with race teams at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway over the decades, and we’re eager to open a new relationship with the Racing Capital of the World by sponsoring the first NASCAR road course race at the track,” said Patty Lanning, Shell Lubricants, Vice President, North American Marketing.
“Every driver will want to make American racing history by winning this inaugural Xfinity Series road race on the Fourth of July at IMS. It’s going to be a great event.”
The Xfinity Series Indiana 250 will take place the day before the big NASCAR Cup Series Big Machine Vodka 400.
This year’s Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard Powered by Florida Georgia Line. The event will include a full-blown FGL concert on Saturday evening, a fireworks show, as well as new infield camping experiences including a gourmet barbecue.
“The Brickyard weekend has been a cornerstone of the IMS schedule since its debut in 1994, and we’re committed to the continued growth and revitalization of the event with its move from early September to Fourth of July weekend,” Roger Penske said.
“Our partners at NASCAR, NBC, Big Machine and Pennzoil share our passion for this great event, and we will work alongside them and others to deliver world-class racing and entertainment for our fans during a celebration of America.”
“As we’ve seen in recent years, road course racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series provides some of the most thrilling action of the entire season, and we are excited to bring it to an iconic venue like Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Managing Director of Racing Operations and International Development.
“Roger, Doug and the entire IMS team have been tremendous partners in growing the Brickyard weekend, and we’re looking forward to what promises to be a must-see event during July 4th weekend.”
The Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard will take place on Sunday July 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The NASCAR Xfinity Series race sponsored by Pennzoil will is slated for Saturday July 4 at 1:30 p.m. ET. Both races will have be broadcast live on NBC.