Kaulig Racing is gearing up for an action-packed weekend as Ty Dillon and his teammates take on the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway in one of the most anticipated races of the season. In this Kaulig Racing Indianapolis Motor Speedway preview, the spotlight is on Dillon, who has the chance to secure a remarkable $1 million prize in the Championship Round of the In-Season Challenge, while the rest of the team sets its sights on strong showings across multiple series.
Each week, Ty Dillon keeps fans updated on his racing journey by appearing on Door Bumper Clear and joining Big Play Cleveland to discuss everything from NASCAR action to racing for Ohio’s own Matt Kaulig. These regular check-ins shed light on the team’s optimism and passion as they enter a crucial phase of the season. Meanwhile, fellow drivers like AJ Allmendinger continue making community appearances to engage with fans and support NASCAR initiatives, further reflecting Kaulig Racing’s energetic team culture and commitment to its supporters.
Historic Achievements and Season Highlights at Indianapolis
For Ty Dillon, Indianapolis Motor Speedway holds special significance. In 2014, Dillon claimed his first NASCAR Xfinity Series win at the Brickyard, leading 24 laps and capturing a $100,000 bonus from the Dash 4 Cash program. That year, he outpaced the No. 54 car, which finished second, foreshadowing this weekend’s high-profile battle as he now goes toe-to-toe with Ty Gibbs, the current Cup Series No. 54 driver, in the million-dollar showdown at the Brickyard. The stakes could not be higher, with 32 drivers competing over five races, culminating in the championship round on Sunday where the highest finisher takes home $1 million.
Kaulig Racing itself has a growing history at Indianapolis, having made 10 Xfinity Series starts at the venue, achieving two top-five and five top-10 finishes. Now entering their second season running the oval layout in the NASCAR Cup Series, the team is looking to capitalize on prior experience and momentum to make a statement on one of racing’s biggest stages.
Key Competitions and Team Dynamics
The In-Season Challenge has intensified competition among NASCAR’s top teams, with Ty Dillon focusing on finishing ahead of Ty Gibbs at Indianapolis to secure the lucrative prize. This challenge spanned five tracks: EchoPark Speedway, Chicago Street Course, Sonoma Raceway, Dover Motor Speedway, and now the climactic round at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With so much at stake, every team member, including Crew Chief Andrew Dickeson, has mobilized to ensure Dillon’s No. 10 Sea Best/Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Camaro ZL1 is race-ready.
Sea Best, the leading seafood brand from Beaver Street Fisheries, serves as Dillon’s primary sponsor this weekend, underscoring the support from major brands that help fuel Kaulig Racing’s pursuits. Grizzly Nicotine Pouches continues to support the team as an associate sponsor, broadening its national presence as a tobacco leaf-free product.
Driver Appearances and Fan Engagements
Kaulig Racing prides itself on connecting with its fanbase, and the team has organized multiple opportunities for supporters to meet their favorite drivers during the race weekend. On Saturday, July 26, Ty Dillon will join fans at the Team Chevy Display in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Midway for a Q&A session at 12:30 p.m. ET, while AJ Allmendinger will be available at the Chevrolet Merchandise Hauler at the same time to sign autographs. Daniel Dye and Josh Williams will also participate in meet-and-greet sessions, reflecting the accessible and passionate nature of the Kaulig Racing camp. On Sunday, Dillon returns to the Chevrolet Merchandise Hauler at 11:00 a.m. ET for another autograph opportunity.
Ty Dillon’s Track Record and Ambitions at Indianapolis
Ty Dillon is no stranger to the unique challenges of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This weekend marks his sixth Cup Series start at the iconic track. Previously, Dillon’s top performance on the Indianapolis oval was a 13th-place finish in 2019, with four out of five starts resulting in top-20 finishes. His Xfinity Series record at the Brickyard is even more impressive: six starts, five top-10s, two top-fives, and the notable 2014 win where he started third and led nearly a quarter of the race. These achievements set the stage for a thrilling rematch against Ty Gibbs in the In-Season Challenge final, intensifying the excitement for fans and the Kaulig Racing crew alike.
“I’m looking forward to this weekend. Our team is excited, not just the No. 10 team, but everyone at Kaulig Racing. I’ve won at Indianapolis before and kissed the bricks in the Xfinity Series and every time I’ve gone to Indy, on the big track, I’ve felt very comfortable. I ran Indy last year, so it’s one of the few tracks I’ve ran in the last year, everywhere else, I’ve had a whole year off from racing and you feel like you’re a mile behind and trying to catch up all weekend. I love going back to the tracks where I had an opportunity to run last year. Indy is a place I really look forward to racing and think we can have a good run this weekend and give ourselves a shot at winning the In-Season Challenge and walking away with the million.”
—Ty Dillon, Driver
Spotlight on AJ Allmendinger and Other Kaulig Drivers
AJ Allmendinger, piloting the No. 16 Chevy with Grizzly Nicotine Pouches as the lead partner and under the guidance of Crew Chief Trent Owens, has a rich history at Indianapolis. In the Cup Series, Allmendinger boasts two top-10 finishes, including one in his debut at the track in 2008. His lone Xfinity Series start at Indy with Kaulig Racing resulted in an eighth-place finish, where he led four laps. Most notably, Allmendinger gave Kaulig Racing its first-ever NASCAR Cup Series win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in 2021 during the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard. This accomplishment established him as a driver who thrives on high-pressure stages, driven by his deep respect for the circuit’s legacy.
Allmendinger remains a fan favorite, engaging with supporters at every opportunity. He recently joined The NASCAR Foundation’s License to Drive event at Daytona, highlighting his commitment to the community and charitable initiatives within the sport. His views on Indianapolis capture the awe and anticipation shared by many drivers:
“Indy is one of those special places I get goosebumps on my arms while driving into the track. The Brickyard 400 is a crown jewel event in NASCAR. I’m still in awe every time we show up to it, and I feel very fortunate that I still get the opportunity to compete in this event. I can’t wait to get to the track and see what type of speed we will have, but I think we can be pretty good there. Track position is always critical; anything can happen as we have seen that last couple of years there.”
—AJ Allmendinger, Driver
Daniel Dye Takes on Indy with Champion Container
Daniel Dye, partnered with Champion Container and Crew Chief Kevin Walter, is set to compete in the Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dye made his first start at the Brickyard in 2024 with Kaulig Racing, earning a career-best seventh-place finish in the Xfinity Series and demonstrating his adaptability on challenging circuits. Champion Container, a family-owned business known for its expertise in industrial packaging, stands alongside Dye for this pivotal race as he seeks to add another strong performance to his tally. So far in the 2025 season, Dye has secured six top-10 finishes, and with his growing experience, the team is optimistic about his prospects this weekend.
“I’m excited to get back to Indy, where I finished seventh last year after only making a handful of starts with Kaulig Racing. That race was a lot of fun. The history surrounding the track and the weekend make for a cool atmosphere to be a part of.”
—Daniel Dye, Driver
Josh Williams and Team Alloy Embrace Challenge at the Brickyard
Representing the No. 11 Alloy Employer Services Chevrolet with Crew Chief Eddie Pardue, Josh Williams approaches the Indianapolis weekend determined to build on his previous experiences at the famed oval. Williams has three starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Indianapolis, with his best result being a 19th-place finish in 2019—a race where he led four laps. Known for his resilience, Williams made eight quality passes in his last appearance, reflecting a tenacious racing style that is well-suited for high-pressure events. Alloy Employer Services, based in Columbus, Ohio, brings a midwestern spirit to the partnership, aiming for a strong showing at a track that is close to the heart of CEO JR Pine.
“Indy is so cool. There’s a lot of history there, and it always feels good to have a good run there. We weren’t having a bad day either last year before getting taken out, so as long as we’re ready by the green flag, we should have a good run. I know I said this last week, but it’s a really big race for Alloy Employer Services; Indy is the track for JR [Pine, Alloy Employer Services CEO], so it’s going to be important for us to run well and show what we know we can do on the No. 11 team.”
—Josh Williams, Driver
Christian Eckes Steps Up for His First Indianapolis Xfinity Start
Christian Eckes, piloting the No. 16 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet with Crew Chief Alex Yontz, readies himself for his debut at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the Xfinity Series. LeafFilter Gutter Protection, the nation’s top-rated gutter system, stands as his sponsor for the Pennzoil 250. Eckes enters this event following a top-10 finish in the rain-shortened BetRivers 200 at Dover, carrying momentum into a new and challenging venue. He has accumulated eight top-10 finishes so far this year, positioning himself and his team for a potential breakthrough as the playoff push intensifies.
“I’ve never been to Indy before, but after preparing for the race, it definitely seems very different than the typical oval tracks we go to. Between it being flatter & having almost four separate corners that don’t necessarily flow completely together, it’ll be important to have a good-handling No. 16 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevy. Everybody on this team has been working really hard on this final playoff push, and we’re excited to battle together until the end.”
—Christian Eckes, Driver
Comprehensive Schedule of Kaulig Racing Meet-and-Greet Events
Fan interaction remains a cornerstone for Kaulig Racing, and throughout the weekend, each driver will have dedicated time to meet with followers, answer questions, and sign memorabilia. On Saturday, Christian Eckes, Josh Williams, Daniel Dye, and Ty Dillon will be at the Team Chevy Display at various times throughout the midday stretch, concluding with AJ Allmendinger at the Chevrolet Merchandise Hauler. On Sunday, Ty Dillon will once again meet fans at the Chevrolet Merchandise Hauler before taking to the track for the $1 million challenge.
Significance and Outlook for Kaulig Racing’s Indianapolis Campaign
The upcoming race weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway carries immense significance for everyone at Kaulig Racing—from the drivers and crew chiefs like Andrew Dickeson, Trent Owens, Kevin Walter, and Alex Yontz, to sponsors including Sea Best, Grizzly Nicotine Pouches, Champion Container, Alloy Employer Services, and LeafFilter Gutter Protection. For Ty Dillon, the opportunity to capture a historic payday and add another Brickyard chapter to his record is both a personal and professional milestone. Meanwhile, AJ Allmendinger, Daniel Dye, Josh Williams, and Christian Eckes are each motivated by the prospect of strong finishes and the chance to propel Kaulig Racing further up the ranks in both the Cup and Xfinity Series. Matt Kaulig and the entire organization aim to build on their past achievements with passion and drive, offering fans an energetic race experience and striving for victory at one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events. The team’s efforts this weekend could set the tone for the remainder of the season and push Kaulig Racing closer to its championship ambitions.
