Qualifying
The top three in qualifying were the top names from the 2009 Brickyard 400. Juan Montoya dominated last year's event before a late pit road penalty ruined his chance at victory. Jimmie Johnson won the 2009 race with Mark Martin faster, but unable to get past for the win at the end.
Juan Montoya took the pole for the 2010 Brickyard 400 with Jimmie Johnson second and Mark Martin third on the grid.
Jamie McMurray and Ryan Newman rounded out the top five starters.
Drop Of The Green
The leaders quickly got into single-file line as they rolled into turn one with Juan Montoya in the lead. The green flag was short-lived as Kyle Busch spun in turn two taking Sam Hornish, David Reutimann, Elliott Sadler and four others with him.
When they returned to green Montoya got the jump once again as the leaders all found a place in line. Montoya, Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin were pulling the train in the early going.
The first part of the race saw a bunch of drivers have problems. Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Newman, Robby Gordon and others formed a steady parade down pit road under the green with a variety of tire and temperature issues.
Storylines
I know I have mentioned it before at various races but, wow! There were thousands and thousands of empty seats at the 2010 Brickyard 400.
NASCAR likes to blame the economy and the fact that fans are being conservative with their entertainment dollars. That likely plays a role however I have a more likely explanation.
The Brickyard 400 is simply not a very good race to attend. Because of the size and layout of the track race fans can see, at best, half of the race track. Even worse is the fact that the racing that the fans do get to see isn't that good.
Drivers spend the day in single-file line and one or two teams often run away with the race. There just isn't much to keep fans entertained. Add in the fiasco that was the 2008 Brickyard 400 and race fans have simply given up on the racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
NASCAR should move the Brickyard 400 across town to the O'Reilly Raceway Park where the Nationwide and Truck Series drivers race on Friday and Saturday nights. That is a race track that never fails to put on a great show.
