2026 Brickyard 400 Entry List Revealed

Overview of the Indianapolis field

The 2026 Brickyard 400 will feature a full complement of 36 charter entries on Sunday afternoon. Thirty‑five of those slots are occupied by full‑time drivers, and the grid expands to 39 drivers with three additional open‑entry competitors. Richard Childress Racing has filled the No. 33 seat with Austin Hill, following the tragic loss of Kyle Busch. The three open entries bring extra intrigue to what is already a competitive lineup.

Open‑entry drivers include Casey Mears driving for Beard Motorsports, Corey Heim with 23XI Racing, and Daniel Dye representing Live Fast Motorsports. These three pilots are not tied to full‑time contracts, giving the race a mix of seasoned veterans and up‑and‑coming talents. The total of 39 participants ensures a deep field for the July event at Indianapolis.

Key drivers highlighted on the list

John Hunter Nemechek will pilot the No. 42 car, continuing his steady presence in the series. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. takes the wheel of the No. 47, bringing his experience to the Brickyard circuit. Shane van Gisbergen occupies the No. 97 seat, marking another driver‑team combination set for the race.

Each of these drivers adds to the depth of the Cup field, representing a variety of teams and racing backgrounds. Their participation underscores the competitive nature of the July weekend at the historic oval.

Why the Brickyard remains a centerpiece

This is the sole Indianapolis weekend on the NASCAR calendar for 2026, keeping the track’s schedule tight and special. The event marks the third consecutive year the Brickyard will host a race on its traditional oval configuration. Fans can expect the same high‑speed action that has made the Brickyard a staple of the Cup Series for decades. The combination of charter teams, open‑entry talent, and a rich historic backdrop ensures the race will be a must‑watch fixture.