Hendrick's Historic Homecoming: NASCAR Legend to Pace Brickyard 400 Comeback

In a nostalgic homecoming, NASCAR legend Rick Hendrick, whose team's No. 24 Chevrolet won the inaugural Brickyard 400, will serve as the honorary pace car driver as the sport's premier Cup Series returns to the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. This marks a significant milestone as the series makes its comeback to the historic track after a two-year hiatus on the IMS road course.

Celebrating Four Decades of Hendrick Motorsports' Dominance

A Legacy of Triumph at the Brickyard

The 2023 Brickyard 400 holds special significance for Hendrick Motorsports, as the team celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. It was in 1994 that Jeff Gordon, driving a Hendrick-prepared Chevrolet Lumina, secured the inaugural victory at the Brickyard, marking the second win of his illustrious NASCAR Hall of Fame career. Gordon's triumph at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a defining moment not only for the driver but also for the Hendrick Motorsports organization, which has since become the winningest team in Cup Series history, with records for championships, victories, pole positions, and laps led.

Hendrick's Homecoming: Pacing the Field at the Brickyard

As the NASCAR Cup Series returns to the Indianapolis oval, Rick Hendrick, the founder and owner of Hendrick Motorsports, will have the honor of leading the field to the green flag in a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. This opportunity holds deep personal significance for Hendrick, who fondly recalls the excitement and thrill of winning the inaugural Brickyard 400 three decades ago. "I can't believe it's been four decades since we started Hendrick Motorsports and 30 years since Jeff (Gordon) won the inaugural Brickyard 400," Hendrick said in a release. "I'll never forget the excitement around that event and the thrill of winning a race at Indianapolis."

Celebrating a Storied Partnership: Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports

Hendrick's role as the honorary pace car driver is a testament to the enduring partnership between Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet, which has spanned four decades. "For all of us at GM and Chevrolet, as well as for our partners at IMS, it's an honor to have Rick Hendrick lead the NASCAR Cup Series field to the green flag at this year's Brickyard 400," said General Motors President Mark Reuss. "Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports have had a storied history together over the past 40 years. Having Rick pace the 30th anniversary of this prestigious race is a special way to celebrate our partnership and the legacy he has built in NASCAR."

The Brickyard's Enduring Legacy: A Prestigious Homecoming

The return of the NASCAR Cup Series to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval marks a significant moment in the sport's history. The Brickyard 400, first held in 1994, has long been considered one of the most prestigious events on the NASCAR calendar, drawing the attention of racing enthusiasts and casual fans alike. The opportunity for Hendrick, a true icon of the sport, to lead the field to the green flag adds an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia to the event, as the series celebrates its homecoming to the hallowed grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick: Rising Stars Chasing the Playoff Spot

As the NASCAR Cup Series prepares to return to the Indianapolis oval, the spotlight also shines on the rising stars of the sport. Bubba Wallace, driving for Hendrick Motorsports' satellite team 23XI Racing, is closing in on a playoff spot, while his teammate Tyler Reddick is challenging for the points lead. The Brickyard 400 presents an opportunity for these young talents to make their mark on one of the most iconic tracks in motorsports, further adding to the anticipation and drama surrounding the event.