The Verizon 200 (former Brickyard 400) race is the final event of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. It covers 200 miles (640 km) of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. The race was founded in 1994, becoming NASCAR's most attended event right away. It attracts about 250,000 people.
After the Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in 1909, the track was made of crushed stone and tar. But it was not a good surface for the racing track causing many incidents. Soon it was replaced with 3.2 mln bricks. Since then, the track was nicknamed Brickyard, and the most famous race of the season got the same name. All winners of the Verizon 200 are mentioned on the PPG Trophy, exposed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
Jeff Gordon was the most successful driver of Brickyard 400. He won the race five times, including the one on the inaugural year. Hendrick Motorsports has been the most successful team performing at the race with ten victories. Chevrolet has won the Brickyard 17 times and has a strong connection with the track. Chevrolet co-founder Louis Chevrolet with his two brothers Arthur and Gaston often competed in Indianapolis races. Gaston Chevrolet won the Indy 500 race in 1920.
In addition to the spectacular race, there are plenty of off-track festivities and entertainment at the Verizon 200. It includes autograph sessions with top racers, lots of live country music by big names before and after Brickfest 400.
