Photos: NASCAR Brickyard 400 back on oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The NASCAR Cup Series returned to the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 21, 2024, for the Brickyard 400. The race marked the 30th running of the event and saw a return to the traditional oval course after a brief stint on the road course layout. Here are some captivating photos captured by talented photographers, showcasing the intense competition, passionate fans, and vibrant atmosphere that embody NASCAR at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

[Photo 1 - Caption: The NASCAR Cup Series field makes its way down the front stretch to start the Brickyard 400.]

[Photo 2 - Caption: The pace car leads the field around turn one during a pace lap.]

[Photo 3 - Caption: The crew of NASCAR Cup Series driver Noah Gragson moves into position for a pit stop.]

[Photo 4 - Caption: Spectators watch from turn one, eagerly anticipating the high-speed action.]

[Photo 5 - Caption: Cars head into turn one as racing continues at the start of stage two.]

[Photo 6 - Caption: The NASCAR Cup Series field approaches the Yard of Bricks as the green flag waves to start the race.]

[Photo 7 - Caption: Tyler Reddick and Denny Hamlin lead the field around the first turn after taking the green flag.]

[Photo 8 - Caption: The pit crew of NASCAR Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. huddle together in prayer before the race.]

[Photo 9 - Caption: Drivers navigate pit road in preparation for stage two racing.]

[Photo 10 - Caption: A KC-135 performs a flyover after the national anthem, adding to the patriotic atmosphere.]

[Photo 11 - Caption: Spectators film the start of the race from a viewing mound at turn four, capturing the moment forever.]

[Photo 12 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick navigates turn one, focused on the race ahead.]

[Photo 13 - Caption: The crew of NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick services the car in the pits during a pit stop.]

[Photo 14 - Caption: The PPG Trophy sits proudly on the Yard of Bricks, awaiting the race winner.]

[Photo 15 - Caption: The Indianapolis skyline provides a stunning backdrop as cars enter turn two.]

[Photo 16 - Caption: The NASCAR Cup Series field heads into the first turn after taking the green flag, kicking off the race.]

[Photo 17 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. leaves pit road after an inspection violation.]

[Photo 18 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series drivers race down the front stretch, battling for position.]

[Photo 19 - Caption: The car of NASCAR Cup Series driver Josh Berry features a photo of Indiana Fever rookie Caitlyn Clark.]

[Photo 20 - Caption: The pit crew of NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson services the car during a pit stop.]

[Photo 21 - Caption: Fans watch from the grandstands above turn one, cheering on their favorite drivers.]

[Photo 22 - Caption: A fan captures the action from turn four, capturing the speed and intensity of the race.]

[Photo 23 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Hemric signs an autograph for a dedicated fan before the race.]

[Photo 24 - Caption: Cars sit on pit road, ready to be pushed out onto the track for the start of the race.]

[Photo 25 - Caption: Fans watch as drivers follow the pace car into turn one, marking the beginning of the Brickyard 400.]

[Photo 26 - Caption: The car of NASCAR Cup Series driver Josh Berry again showcases the photo of Indiana Fever rookie Caitlyn Clark.]

[Photo 27 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series drivers Joey Logano and John Hunter Nemechek exit pit road, preparing for the race.]

[Photo 28 - Caption: A crew member from NASCAR Cup Series driver Harrison Burton's team checks a tire during a pit stop.]

[Photo 29 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series drivers make their way into the first turn, jostling for position.]

[Photo 30 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series driver AJ Allmendinger leaves pit road, joining the action on the track.]

[Photo 31 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. engages in conversation with Linda Vaughn before the race.]

[Photo 32 - Caption: A KC-135 approaches the track to perform a flyover during the national anthem, honoring the country.]

[Photo 33 - Caption: Annabelle Reiblein, age 10, beams with joy as NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman signs her visor during the Drivers Brick Walk.]

[Photo 34 - Caption: A KC-135 flies over the track during the national anthem, filling the air with a sense of pride and excitement.]

[Photo 35 - Caption: A KC 135 from Grissom Air Reserve Base performs a flyover after the national anthem, thrilling the crowd.]

[Photo 36 - Caption: Chad Knaus, a legendary crew chief, sits in NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron's pit box during the race.]

[Photo 37 - Caption: Spectators cheer during the Drivers Brick Walk, showing their enthusiasm for the event.]

[Photo 38 - Caption: The cars of NASCAR Cup Series drivers Bubba Wallace and Corey LaJoie are pushed out to the track, ready for competition.]

[Photo 39 - Caption: Inaugural Brickyard 400 winner Jeff Gordon stands on the track with other drivers from the first race in 1994, celebrating the 30th anniversary.]

[Photo 40 - Caption: Dale Jarrett and Todd Parrott, winners of the 1996 and 1999 Brickyard 400, kiss the PPG Trophy on the Yard of Bricks.]

[Photo 41 - Caption: Drivers from the first Brickyard 400 in 1994 stand proudly on the Yard of Bricks with the PPG Trophy.]

[Photo 42 - Caption: Jeff Gordon, the inaugural winner, stands with other drivers from the first race, commemorating the milestone.]

[Photo 43 - Caption: The car of NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney is pushed by pit crew members onto the track.]

[Photo 44 - Caption: The car of NASCAR Cup Series driver Josh Berry is pushed out to the track, ready to race.]

[Photo 45 - Caption: Jenna Lee, age 11, cheers enthusiastically as the pace car pulls out, signaling the start of the Brickyard 400.]

[Photo 46 - Caption: Mary Jo Fain and her husband Jack Fain watch the action unfold from pit road, taking in the excitement of the race.]

[Photo 47 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series drivers Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch engage in conversation before the race.]

[Photo 48 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series driver Josh Berry walks past his car, featuring an image of Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark on the hood.]

[Photo 49 - Caption: A KC-135 flies over the track during the national anthem, a majestic sight for fans and drivers alike.]

[Photo 50 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series driver AJ Allmendinger climbs into his car, focused and determined.]

[Photo 51 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman sits in his car, preparing for the upcoming race.]

[Photo 52 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series team owner Rick Hendrick drives the pace car at the start of the Brickyard 400.]

[Photo 53 - Caption: A young fan watches the action on the track, dreaming of one day becoming a NASCAR driver.]

[Photo 54 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series driver AJ Allmendinger fist bumps a young fan, creating a memorable moment.]

[Photo 55 - Caption: A racing fan holds out a helmet for drivers to sign, collecting mementos of the event.]

[Photo 56 - Caption: Five-time Brickyard 400 winner Jeff Gordon waits to talk with NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman.]

[Photo 57 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano sits next to his car, focused and ready for the competition ahead.]

[Photo 58 - Caption: NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson participates in an interview before the race, sharing his thoughts with fans.]

[Photo 59 - Caption: Racing fans pack the stands, creating an electric atmosphere at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.]

[Photo 60 - Caption: Drivers navigate pit road in preparation for stage two racing, making strategic adjustments.]

[Photo 61 - Caption: Drivers continue to make their way down pit road, the sound of revving engines filling the air.]

[Photo 62 - Caption: Drivers battle for track position as they leave pit road, each determined to gain an advantage.]

[Photo 63 - Caption: The field takes the green flag to start stage two, continuing the thrilling race.]

[Photo 64 - Caption: Drivers fight for position as they race along the front straightaway, the stands filled with cheering fans.]

[Photo 65 - Caption: