IMS Makes Changes To NASCAR's Brickyard 400 Weekend To Improve Fan Experience

Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday announced a number of changes "in hopes of improving the fan experience" for NASCAR's Brickyard 400 race weekend, according to James Ayello of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Highlights of the July 21-23 weekend include the "introduction of a Friday fanfest and a shift in scheduling," with qualifying for the Monster Energy Cup Series race "immediately following" the Xfinity Series race Saturday night. Many of NASCAR's top stars are "scheduled to appear during the new fanfest, which will also feature other entertainment options for families." Following the fanfest "will be the annual Hauler Parade." Attendance at the Brickyard 400 has "waned in recent years." Not long ago, the track "drew upward" of 200,000 fans, but last year attendance was estimated at 50,000. IMS Dir of Communications Alex Damron declined comment on an SBD report that they are "considering moving the event to the track's road course" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 3/17).