SPEEDWAY, Ind. — The Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, once a crown jewel of NASCAR, drew sharp criticism from NASCAR fans for sparse attendance during its 2025 running. Social media platforms buzzed with NASCAR fans mocking the empty grandstands, posting side-by-side comparisons of packed crowds from the race’s 1990s heyday against the noticeably thinner turnout this year. Fans pointed to images of the inaugural 1994 Brickyard 400, when over 250,000 spectators filled the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, highlighting a stark contrast to the estimated 60,000 attendees in 2025.
NASCAR’s Jeff Gluck defended the attendance, arguing the crowd was substantial enough to fill smaller tracks on the NASCAR circuit. He attributed the empty seats to scorching temperatures, suggesting NASCAR fans sought shade to escape the heat. However, NASCAR fans rejected Gluck’s defense, countering that in the Brickyard 400’s glory days, every seat brimmed with spectators regardless of weather. They shared old photos of overflowing stands, pressing Gluck on social media with claims that his excuses fell flat. Undeterred, Gluck doubled down, insisting NASCAR’s current attendance aligns with modern standards and reflects a healthy sport. NASCAR fans fired back, arguing a half-empty Indianapolis Motor Speedway projects a poor image for a race once considered a pinnacle of NASCAR’s schedule.
NASCAR fans also directed frustration at the racing product, blaming Elton Sawyer’s Next Gen car for persistent passing issues. They noted zero green flag passes for the lead during the 2025 Brickyard 400, a factor they argue contributes to declining interest and attendance at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Fans voiced discontent over the NASCAR playoffs, a format championed by NASCAR President Steve Phelps and NBC Sports, which they claim diminishes the prestige of crown jewel races like the Brickyard 400. Social media posts from NASCAR fans emphasized that a full-season points system, with extra points for crown jewel victories, would restore the race’s significance and draw larger crowds to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The 2025 Brickyard 400, won by Bubba Wallace in a dramatic overtime finish, marked a competitive highlight but failed to quell fan unrest. NASCAR fans argued the race’s lackluster atmosphere and minimal on-track action reflect broader issues within the sport.
They called for NASCAR to address the Next Gen car’s shortcomings and reevaluate the playoff format to revive the Brickyard 400’s status.
As Indianapolis Motor Speedway prepares for future NASCAR events, fans demand a return to the packed stands and thrilling racing that once defined this iconic race.
NASCAR’s Bubba Wallace is a winner.
NASCAR fans have one request for Fox Sports.
