In a triumphant return for one of NASCAR’s most iconic races, Kyle Larson claimed victory at the 2024 Brickyard 400, solidifying his legacy at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). The 2021 NASCAR Cup champion, representing Hendrick Motorsports, delivered a stellar performance on the historic oval and shared his deep emotional connection to the win, emphasizing how much more it meant compared to a potential road course victory.
A Hard-Fought Victory at the Oval
Larson qualified fifth for the Brickyard 400 but battled his way to the front, outpacing top contenders in a thrilling display of strategy and skill. After taking the checkered flag, Larson celebrated in classic Brickyard tradition—kissing the bricks alongside his family and crew.
“Kissing the bricks with my family and team after that race was something I’ll never forget,” Larson said. “It’s a moment I’ve dreamed of, and to finally achieve it on the oval means everything.”
The win marked a milestone not just for Larson but also for fans who had long clamored for the return of the oval race after NASCAR briefly switched the event to a road course format.
“It Just Means So Much More”
When asked how he might have felt about a Brickyard victory on the road course, Larson admitted it wouldn’t have carried the same weight. For him, the significance of winning at IMS is intrinsically tied to the oval’s legacy.
“I’ve never won on the road course, so I don’t know how I would’ve felt,” Larson reflected. “But I can say for sure it wouldn’t have been the same as winning on the oval. It just means so much more to win this way.”
Larson added that the tradition of kissing the bricks—a beloved celebration dating back to NASCAR’s inaugural Brickyard 400 in 1994—felt tied to the oval’s heritage. He confessed he wouldn’t have felt right participating in the ritual had he won on the road course.
“I might’ve bent down and pretended, but I don’t think I could’ve done it seriously,” he admitted. “You should have to win on the oval to kiss the bricks. Thankfully, NASCAR brought it back.”
The Emotional Weight of the Brickyard 400
Larson’s comments highlight two significant themes: the unparalleled prestige of the Brickyard 400 among NASCAR drivers and the emotional attachment many have to the oval layout. For Larson, this race carries more weight than most, not just for its competitive significance but also for its deep-rooted traditions.
The Brickyard 400’s return to the oval was seen as a victory for fans and drivers alike, restoring the event’s iconic status. Larson’s heartfelt remarks reinforce how much the race means to those who compete at IMS, as well as the broader NASCAR community.
A Legacy Cemented
Kyle Larson’s 2024 Brickyard 400 victory is more than just another trophy—it’s a defining moment in a career already brimming with accolades. By conquering the oval and embracing the traditions that make Indianapolis Motor Speedway sacred, Larson has etched his name alongside the legends of stock car racing.
As he reflected on his achievement, Larson made it clear that this win stands apart: “This wasn’t just another race. This was the Brickyard 400 on the oval, and it’s something I’ll cherish forever.”
