5 Things NASCAR Cup Series Practice Taught Us Ahead of the Brickyard 400
· Yahoo Sports
Friday’s lone NASCAR Cup Series practice session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway didn’t set the starting lineup, but it offered an early glimpse at which teams have unloaded with speed ahead of Sunday’s Brickyard 400.
Christopher Bell topped the speed chart, Kyle Larson looked especially strong over long runs, and several other contenders made compelling early statements before qualifying.
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Here are the five biggest takeaways from Friday’s practice.
Christopher Bell Arrived Ready to Contend
Bell wasted little time establishing himself as one of the favorites this weekend.
The driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota posted the fastest lap of the session at 183.512 mph, narrowly edging John Hunter Nemechek and teammate Ty Gibbs.
It’s only practice, but Bell has already proven this season that when his team unloads with speed, it’s capable of staying near the front all weekend.
Kyle Larson’s Long-Run Pace Could Be the Story of the Weekend
Larson may not have topped the overall speed chart, but his long-run pace stood out more than anyone else’s.
The Hendrick Motorsports driver posted the fastest five-lap average and 10-lap average during the session, a strong indication that the No. 5 Chevrolet maintains speed as tires wear and fuel burns off.
That’s particularly encouraging considering Larson is still searching for his first Cup Series victory of the 2026 season. At a track where strategy and long green-flag runs often determine the outcome, sustained speed could matter far more than one qualifying lap.
Joe Gibbs Racing Looks Loaded
Bell wasn’t the only Toyota making headlines.
Ty Gibbs finished third on the overall speed chart while posting the second-best 10-lap average. Denny Hamlin ranked fifth overall and also placed among the fastest drivers on longer runs.
Even John Hunter Nemechek turned heads by finishing second on the overall speed chart.
Whether it was outright speed or long-run consistency, Joe Gibbs Racing looked exceptionally strong throughout Friday’s session and appears to have multiple cars capable of contending Sunday.
AJ Allmendinger Could Be This Weekend’s Surprise
Few expected AJ Allmendinger to appear near the top of the practice charts at Indianapolis.
Yet the Kaulig Racing veteran finished among the top five in five-lap average speed before dropping back on longer runs.
While he wasn’t among the outright favorites by the end of the session, his early pace suggests the No. 16 team could have more speed than many expected entering the weekend. If qualifying goes well, Allmendinger could become one of Sunday’s more intriguing dark horses.
Small Mistakes Will Be Costly at Indianapolis
Practice also served as a reminder of how unforgiving Indianapolis Motor Speedway can be.
Bubba Wallace made early contact with the outside wall during the session, though the damage appeared minor and he was able to continue.
It wasn’t a race-changing incident, but it underscored how little margin for error drivers have around the historic 2.5-mile oval. One small mistake can quickly derail a weekend at the Brickyard.
The Early Edge Belongs to Toyota, But Sunday Is Far From Decided
Qualifying will provide a clearer picture of who starts near the front, but Friday’s practice painted an encouraging picture for Toyota, particularly Joe Gibbs Racing.
At the same time, Larson’s long-run speed suggests Hendrick Motorsports could still have one of the strongest race-day cars in the field.
If Friday’s session was any indication, Sunday’s Brickyard 400 should feature multiple legitimate contenders battling for one of NASCAR’s crown jewel victories.