Brickyard 400 2012: Start Time, Lineup, TV Schedule and More

The 18th running of NASCAR's Brickyard 400 is sure produce some wild results this weekend. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is undoubtedly a lock to claim his 15th top-10 finish of the year. He could take over the Sprint Cup points standings lead with a strong finish at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday.

All eyes will be on Jeff Gordon, however. He has yet to win a race this year and is in danger of missing out on the season-ending Chase for the Cup. Gordon is 17th with seven races left to go.

Will Earnhardt overtake Matt Kenseth in the standings? Can Gordon ignite a rally to make the Chase?

The 2012 Brickyard 400 will answer those questions and more this Sunday afternoon.

When: Sunday, July 29

Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, IN

Start Time: 12 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Live Streaming: TrackPass

Starting Order: Qualifying will be held at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 28 on ESPN.

Weekend TV Schedule (Courtesy of NASCAR.com)

Brickyard 400 practice: Saturday, July 28 at 8:30 a.m. ET, SPEED (coverage starts at 9:30 a.m. ET)

Brickyard 400 practice: Saturday, July 28 at 10:30 a.m. ET, ESPN2

Brickyard 400 qualifying: Saturday, July 28 at 2 p.m. ET, ESPN

Curtiss Shaver 400 at the Brickyard: Sunday, July 29 at 12 p.m. ET, ESPN

Jeff Gordon's Drive For Five

In the decade spanning from 1994 (the race's inaugural year) to 2004, Jeff Gordon won four times at the Brickyard 400. But over the last eight years, he has missed out on Victory Lane. Gordon needs a breakthrough at Indy in 2012 more than ever, though, if he is going to have any shot at making an impact late in the season.

Gordon has won more Brickyard 400s than anyone since the event began 18 years ago. But with only seven races left until the Chase begins, he will need to win No. 5 this summer in order to jump-start he and his crew down the crucial stretch.

Drivers to Watch

It definitely won't be easy for Gordon. After all, teammate Jimmie Johnson has won three times at Indy since 2006, and Tony Stewart has won twice there, his last win coming in 2007. Johnson has two wins already this season and is currently fourth in the Sprint Cup standings coming into Sunday's race.

Meanwhile, Stewart has three Sprint Cup wins under his belt in 2012 and is hanging onto seventh place in the current standings. Both Johnson and Stewart should be favorites to take the checkered flag given their history at Indy, but if you're looking for a first-time winner, go with Brad Keselowski. He has three wins this season in 19 starts.

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