Kyle Larson wins Brickyard 400 in overtime

Kyle Larson claimed victory in the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This win marks the series' return to the oval after four years of racing on the road course. Larson, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, led only eight of the 167 laps, standing out in the overtime periods that determined the race result.

The Californian driver managed to maintain his position in the final laps, surpassing Tyler Reddick and Ryan Blaney. The race extended to double overtime after an incident caused a yellow flag when Ryan Preece was stopped on the track.

Larson's victory is his fourth of 2024 and the 27th of his Cup Series career. This win comes shortly after his debut in the Indianapolis 500, where he finished 18th. The race also marks Hendrick Motorsports' return to the oval, 30 years after Jeff Gordon won the first stock car race at this track.

Larson took advantage of a change in pit stop strategy. Tyler Reddick, who led most of the race with 40 laps up front, and Ryan Blaney were affected by strategy changes that allowed Larson to advance from lower positions.

Reddick's second place keeps him in the fight for the Regular Season Championship, while Blaney, who finished third, expressed disappointment at not being able to hold his position after the fuel strategy changes.

Christopher Bell and Bubba Wallace rounded out the top five, with Wallace winning his first stage since 2022. The race was also notable for its irregular pace, with 13 leaders and 17 lead changes.

The NASCAR Cup Series will enter a two-week break due to the Olympic Games, resuming its schedule on August 11 at Richmond Raceway. Wallace, still seeking a spot in the playoffs, is now just seven points behind the 16th position currently held by Ross Chastain.