Set for July 23 at Racing Capital of the World
Key Points:
• Industry-leading powerhouse Big Machine Label Group announced as new entitlement sponsor of the Brickyard 400.
• This year’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at IMS, scheduled for Sunday, July 23, will be called the Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Brickyard 400.
• The country hitmaker will perform during the star-studded weekend, featuring the new 400 Fest concert and more.
INDIANAPOLIS, Friday, June 30, 2017 – Music industry leader Big Machine Label Group is the new entitlement sponsor of the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, one of the crown jewels of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
This year’s race, scheduled for Sunday, July 23 at IMS, will be called the Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Brickyard 400 . The chart-topping country star, signed to BMLG’s Valory Music Co. imprint, will attend the event and perform for fans during pre-race celebrations.
More details about the multi-year agreement, including plans for the 2018 Big Machine Brickyard 400, will be announced at this year’s race.
“I’m very excited today to officially announce that Big Machine and Brantley Gilbert are joining the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 2017 Brickyard 400 NASCAR race!” said Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta. “Racing has always been part of Big Machine’s DNA, and we’re thrilled to partner with the world’s most iconic racing brands.”
Said Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles: “We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Big Machine, and we’re thrilled to see that expand through this very unique entitlement sponsorship. This partnership will bring a big-name artist our fans know and love to IMS, enhancing what already is one of NASCAR’s marquee event weekends.”
Founded in 2005, Big Machine Label Group is an independent record label headquartered in Nashville. In addition to Gilbert, the artist roster includes superstars such as Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Rascal Flatts, Danielle Bradbery, The Cadillac Three, Justin Moore, Ronnie Dunn, Jennifer Nettles, Eli Young Band, Drake White, Brett Young, Tucker Beathard and A Thousand Horses.
Gilbert has emerged as one of the most exciting, energetic solo artists in country music since the 2009 release of his debut album “Modern Day Prodigal Son.” His second album, “Halfway To Heaven,” was re-released in 2011 and reached No. 2 on the Billboard U.S. Country chart, producing two No. 1 singles on Hot Country Songs chart he wrote – “Country Must Be Country Wide” and “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.” The Georgia native followed up his 2013 ACM New Male Vocalist Award win with the chart-topping album “Just As I Am” in May 2014. Featuring two No. 1 singles, “Bottoms Up” and “One Hell of an Amen,” “Just As I Am” earned Gilbert the American Music Award for Favorite Country Album.
Gilbert’s fourth studio album, “The Devil Don’t Sleep,” climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard U.S. Country chart after its release in January 2017, marking his second straight No. 1 record.
The 24th annual Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Brickyard 400 race weekend features more attractions and entertainment than ever July 21-23.
400 Fest, a new, two-night concert at IMS, is scheduled for Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22. The event features six global music superstars over two nights, with Major Lazer headlining July 21 and The Chainsmokers headlining July 22. Visit www.400fest.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Another off-track attraction is the return of the annual IMS Hauler Parade, featuring a special “NASCAR Fan Fest” that will bring the stars of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series to Speedway’s Main Street for an afternoon and evening of fun and engaging activities Friday, July 21.
On the famous 2.5-mile oval, practice for the Lilly Diabetes 250 NASCAR XFINITY Series race will take place Friday, July 21. Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying for the Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Brickyard 400 and qualifying and the race for the Lilly Diabetes 250 are set for Saturday, July 22 at IMS.
The Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Brickyard 400 will start at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 23, featuring all of the stars of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The race also will mark the final IMS start of popular NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., who is retiring after this season.
Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets for all 2017 IMS events, including the Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Brickyard 400 and Lilly Diabetes 250 on July 21-23, and for more information on all events.
