“The Brickyard”- a track with over one hundred years of racing history. The track has seen CART, Indycar, Formula 1, and many other racing series come and put on a show. Indianapolis added NASCAR to its roster of racing series in 1994. Jeff Gordon would win the inaugural race and the race would become one of the marquis events on the NASCAR calendar. It was held in the same regard as the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, Southern 500, and the Firecracker (Pepsi/Coke Zero) 400. That was until one hot July afternoon in 2008.

The 2008 Brickyard 400 was marred with tire problems. Tires could not last longer than roughly 12 laps. NASCAR had to throw competition caution after competition caution to ensure cars would not be destroyed by blown tires. This one race soured NASCAR fans on the Brickyard. Attendance and TV ratings dropped year after year for the annual Brickyard 400 and many wanted the race canned. After 2020, the oval configuration of the Brickyard would not be on the schedule.

For 2021, the Brickyard would be back but in a new configuration, a roval. Indianapolis had this infield circuit constructed many years before NASCAR would utilize it. It was constructed for the United States Grand Prix in the year 2000. Tony George, Bernie Ecclestone, and Max Mosely struck a deal to bring Formula 1 to the Brickyard on a brand new road course layout. It hosted the US Grand Prix for 7 years (2000-2007). It would have been for longer; however, a tire problem that plagued 7 different teams in 2005 would see Formula 1 humiliated in front of everyone. After 2007, Formula 1 would not return.

NASCAR would utilize some of the old GP layout with some minor and major changes. 2021 would see A.J. Allmendinger take the checkered flag for Kaulig Racing. The race was an instant hit with fans and left them wanting more. 2022 would see much more of 2021, maybe too much. Turn 1 would see cars going 7 wide into it and usually wrecking as a result. Ross Chastain on the last restart even cut Turn 1 so he would not get wrecked and got penalized for it. While the race had good moments, it was a wreck fest of a race and fans were mixed on the whole thing.

This leads to the present day, NASCAR is returning to Indy’s road course and fans all over are not happy. Many are calling for the oval to return and there is the possibility of that happening in due time. Some argue that the reason behind the shift back in favor of the oval is because of the number of new road courses that have flooded the NASCAR calendar and the fan fatigue has caught up with them. Sure, the road races this year have been great, but the special status they once had is more or less gone. It leaves one question: should NASCAR return to the oval or stay the course?

A compelling argument could be made for both of the options. One argument in favor of the oval is the marquis status the Brickyard 400 had. It would give NASCAR a crown jewel event back. However, the road course is guaranteed excitement due to how hectic the races can be. We could go back and forth with the pros and cons on both sides. However, whichever NASCAR decides, it should be in the best interest of the sport and the product they wish to give their fans. Again, both sides are compelling but it is up to NASCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the matter.