The NASCAR Cup Collection season strikes to a crown jewel occasion, the Brickyard 400 on July 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The in-season problem closing additionally takes place at IMS, with Ryan Blaney in opposition to Todd Gilliland. Blaney has proven good pace at IMS because the sequence’ return to the two.5-mile monitor, however Gilliland has completed sixth in back-to-back Indy races.
Commercial
Bubba Wallace is the defending race winner.
Listed below are The Tennessean’s professional picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Collection race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway:
NEXT YEAR: NASCAR strikes 2027 Conflict again to Daytona, per report
1 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
HAMPTON, GEORGIA – JULY 12: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 BODYARMOR FLASH I.V. Ford, celebrates after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection Quaker State 400 Obtainable at Walmart at EchoPark Speedway on July 12, 2026 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photograph by Meg Oliphant/Getty Photographs)
(Meg Oliphant, Getty Photographs)
1 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
HAMPTON, GEORGIA – JULY 12: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 BODYARMOR FLASH I.V. Ford, celebrates after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection Quaker State 400 Obtainable at Walmart at EchoPark Speedway on July 12, 2026 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photograph by Meg Oliphant/Getty Photographs)
(Meg Oliphant, Getty Photographs)
2 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 08: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Dent Wizard Ford, celebrates in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection Straight Discuss Wi-fi 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 08, 2026 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photograph by Meg Oliphant/Getty Photographs)
(Meg Oliphant, Getty Photographs)
3 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
LOUDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE – SEPTEMBER 21: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Libman Ford, celebrates in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 21, 2025 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photograph by Sean Gardner/Getty Photographs)
(Sean Gardner, Getty Photographs)
4 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
LOUDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE – SEPTEMBER 21: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Libman Ford, poses with Loudon the Lobster in victory lane after successful the the NASCAR Cup Collection Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 21, 2025 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photograph by Sean Gardner/Getty Photographs)
(Sean Gardner, Getty Photographs)
5 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
LOUDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE – SEPTEMBER 21: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Libman Ford, celebrates after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 21, 2025 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photograph by Meg Oliphant/Getty Photographs)
(Meg Oliphant, Getty Photographs)
6 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Ryan Blaney climbs out of his No. 12 Penske Ford in Victory Lane, Saturday night time, Aug. 23, 2025, after successful the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona Worldwide Speedway. For full protection of the race, go to www.news-journalonline.com.
(David TuckerNews-Journal)
7 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Aug 23, 2025; Daytona Seaside, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Ryan Blaney (12) takes the checker flag to win the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona Worldwide Speedway. Necessary Credit score: Mike Watters-Imagn Photographs
(Mike Watters, Mike Watters-Imagn Photographs)
8 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Ryan Blaney celebrates successful the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee, on June 1, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles, The Tennessean)
9 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
NASCAR Cup Collection driver Ryan Blaney (12) heads into the stands to present away the checkered flag after successful the Cracker Barrel 400 NASCAR Cup Collection race at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 1, 2025.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
10 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
NASCAR Cup Collection driver Ryan Blaney (12) burns rubber close to the end line after successful the Cracker Barrel 400 NASCAR Cup Collection race at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 1, 2025.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
11 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
NASCAR Cup Collection driver Ryan Blaney celebrates successful the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 1, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean, Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Photographs)
12 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – APRIL 27: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Advance Auto Components Ford, indicators an autograph for a NASCAR fan previous to the NASCAR Cup Collection Jack Hyperlink’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 27, 2025 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photograph by Logan Riely/Getty Photographs)
(Logan Riely, Getty Photographs)
13 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Mar 8, 2025; Avondale, AZ, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Ryan Blaney (12) throughout qualifying for the Shrines Youngsters’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Necessary Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photographs
(Gary A. Vasquez, Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photographs)
14 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 12: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Peak Ford speaks to the media throughout Media Day for the NASCAR Daytona 500 at Daytona Worldwide Speedway on February 12, 2025 in Daytona Seaside, Florida. (Photograph by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Photographs)
(Mike Ehrmann, Getty Photographs)
15 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 01: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/Nice Lakes Flooring Ford spins after an on-track incident throughout qualifying warmth #1 for the Prepare dinner Out Conflict at Bowman Grey Stadium on February 01, 2025 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photograph by Sean Gardner/Getty Photographs)
(Sean Gardner, Getty Photographs)
16 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Nov 22, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Ryan Blaney (12) and his fiancŽ Gianna Tulio throughout the NASCAR Awards Banquet at Charlotte Conference Heart. Necessary Credit score: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photographs
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photographs)
17 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 10: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Menards/RichmondWaterHeater Ford, reacts after the NASCAR Cup Collection Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on November 10, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photograph by Sean Gardner/Getty Photographs)
(Getty Photographs)
18 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – NOVEMBER 03: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Low cost Tire Ford, celebrates in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on November 03, 2024 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photograph by David Jensen/Getty Photographs)
(Getty Photographs)
19 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Nov 3, 2024; Martinsville, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Ryan Blaney (12) wins the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Necessary Credit score: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photographs
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photographs)
20 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
NASCAR Cup Collection driver Ryan Blaney (12) wins the inaugural Iowa Corn 350 on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Iowa Speedway in Newton.
(Cody Scanlan/The Register)
21 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
NASCAR Cup Collection driver Ryan Blaney (12) wins the inaugural Iowa Corn 350 on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Iowa Speedway in Newton.
(Cody Scanlan/The Register)
22 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Mar 31, 2024; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Ryan Blaney (12) makes a pit cease throughout the Toyota House owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Necessary Credit score: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports activities
(Peter Casey, Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports activities)
23 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Feb 15, 2024; Daytona Seaside, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Ryan Blaney (12) catches on fireplace after wrecking throughout the Bluegreen Holidays Duel at Daytona Worldwide Speedway. Necessary Credit score: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports activities
(John David Mercer, John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports activities)
24 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Ryan Blaney and Gianna Tulio poses on the pink carpet for the 2023 NASCAR Awards Banquet on the Music Metropolis Heart in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023.
(Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean)
25 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
2023 NASCAR Factors Champion Ryan Blaney (12) indicators autographs throughout the NASCAR Champions Automobile Parade in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
26 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
NASCAR Cup Collection driver Ryan Blaney (12) celebrates successful the Cup Collection Championship at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale on Nov. 5, 2023.
(Alex Gould/Particular for The Republic, Alex Gould/Particular for The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK)
27 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Oct. 29: Ryan Blaney celebrates after successful the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway.
(David Yeazell, USA TODAY Sports activities)
28 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Oct 1, 2023; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Ryan Blaney (12) cheers the gang after his victory on the 2023 YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Necessary Credit score: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports activities
(Vasha Hunt, Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports activities)
29 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Might 29: Ryan Blaney, heart, celebrates successful the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
(Jim Dedmon, USA TODAY Sports activities)
30 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Ryan Blaney does a bit social media befor the ultimate Nascar cup sequence observe, Saturday morning February 18, 2023 at Daytona Worldwide Speedway.
(David TuckerNews Journal)
31 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Ryan Blaney celebrates after successful the FireKeepers On line casino 400 Sunday at Michigan Worldwide Speedway.
(Mike Dinovo, USA TODAY Sports activities)
32 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
NASCAR Cup Collection driver Ryan Blaney (12) is towed off the monitor after a crash throughout the Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Collection race on the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 20, 2021.
(Stephanie Amador / Tennessean.com)
33 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Feb 12, 2020; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Ryan Blaney (12) addresses the media throughout NASCAR Media Day on the Daytona 500 Membership.. Necessary Credit score: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports activities ORG XMIT: USATSI-425824 ORIG FILE ID: 20200212_jdm_ad4_062.jpg
(Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports activities)
34 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Cole Swindell and Ryan Blaney stroll the pink carpet earlier than the 2019 NASCAR Cup Collection Awards at Music Metropolis Heart Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.
(Larry McCormack / Tennessean.com)
35 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Ryan Blaney waves to the gang throughout the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway occasion in downtown Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
36 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Ryan Blaney beat Ryan Newman Monday at Talladega Superspeedway in a door-to-door race to the end line. The 0.0070-second margin of victory was the sixth-closest within the historical past of Talladega. Necessary Credit score: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports activities
(Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports activities)
37 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Ryan Blaney, proper, celebrates after successful the 2019 playoff race at Talladega Superspeedway.
(Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports activities)
38 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Ryan Blaney has momentum on his aspect, coming off a victory in Charloote on Sunday. It was solely the younger driver’s second Cup victory of 2018 as he received Duel #1 at Daytona Speedway again in February.
(Jason Minto/The Information Journal)
39 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Ryan Blaney celebrates after successful the Financial institution of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
(Jasen Vinlove, -USA TODAY Sports activities)
40 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
From left, NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Ryan Blaney watch Driven2SaveLives BC39 sizzling laps from atop a hauler at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, for the USAC P1 Insurance coverage Midget Nationwide Championship, Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.
(Jenna Watson/IndyStar)
41 / 41
Ryan Blaney, NASCAR driver, champion with mustache for Group Penske
Ryan Blaney, heart, celebrates his victory at Pocono Raceway on June 11, 2017.
(Matthew O’Haren, USA TODAY Sports activities)NASCAR predictions for Indianapolis Cup Collection race: This is who wins the Brickyard 400Mike Organ’s choose: Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Bell has been on the cusp of successful all season, however his wrist damage and different components have stored him from it. He is been second in 4 of the final 9 races and 5 whole. He lastly will get over the hump at Indy the place his common end is eight.
Commercial
Nick Grey’s choose: Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Chase Elliott has been giving up factors the final six weeks, generally by no fault of his personal. (See: North Wilkesboro.) And the way is it that Elliott has by no means received a crown jewel race? That adjustments this weekend.
Tom Kreager’s choose: Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Group Penske Ford
Blaney often is the solely NASCAR Cup driver that may preserve a Toyota from successful this yr’s championship. He is been quick sufficient to compete with Denny Hamlin in different races. That is one other week to shut the hole within the standings.
