Corey Heim captured the 2026 Brickyard 400, making him the first part‑time driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series crown‑jewel since 1987 and putting 23XI Racing back‑to‑back at Indy.
Heim’s Brickyard Breakthrough
In only his eighth Cup start, Heim delivered a decisive restart, nipping his 23XI teammate Tyler Reddick and the veteran Denny Hamlin. The victory sent Heim into 14th place in points—an impressive rise considering he has run just eight of the 22 races.
The win marked Heim’s second season triumph, following a Sprint‑Cup victory on the San Diego street circuit. 23XI Racing’s crew chief, Bootie Barker, celebrated a first crown‑jewel victory after more than 600 races.
Denny Hamlin’s Missed Jewel
Despite leading on the final restart, Hamlin was blocked by Heim’s charge from the inside. Hamlin attributes the loss to a poorly timed restart, while the Joe Gibbs Racing trio of cars fell out of sync at the blue flag.
Hamlin’s failure to secure a Brickyard win leaves him 18 attempts without the track’s sole jewel. The loss adds pressure as he approaches his scheduled retirement after the 2027 season.
Under‑dog Victory: Todd Gilliland
Front Row Motorsports’ Todd Gilliland captured the In‑Season Challenge trophy, earning the $1 million prize. His No. 25 team overcame marquee brands, culminating in a two‑position victory over Ryan Blaney.
The competition’s structure spotlighted drivers who usually linger near the back of the grid, turning Gilliland’s run into a season highlight.
Kyle Larson & Josh Berry: Mixed Momentum
Larson fell to eighth in the standings after a second‑stage crash caused by a left‑rear tire blowout at Indy. The mishap dropped him two spots, a significant deficit before the Chase reset.
Meanwhile, Josh Berry finished a career‑best seventh in the Wood Brothers No. 21 car—a bright spot despite a season marked by 13 finishes outside the top 20.
Pit for Planes: Cup Aero’s Limitations
Indianapolis exposed the Cup Series aero package’s limited passing ability. No green‑flag lead changes occurred beyond pit stops and restarts, a trend consistent with the race’s history.
Drivers such as Carson Kvapil and Ross Chastain struggled to overtake in the closing laps, underscoring the need for technical reassessment to keep the Brickyard competitive.
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