RealTruck, BackRack, and the Indy Brickyard 400

The Indy Brickyard 400

To kick things off, let’s check out a brief history of the Brickyard, including the origins of the track and its usage in the Nascar Cup Series.

The History of the Indy Brickyard 400

Indianapolis Motor Speedway is best known for the Indy 500—one of several races in the IndyCar series. The race remained the track’s only event for over eight decades—since its conception in 1909. However, that changed in the early nineties, as NASCAR wanted a piece of the action. After some deliberation, the inaugural Indy Brickyard 400 kicked off in 1994, introducing a new track to the NASCAR Cup Series. 

The 2.5-mile rectangular oval sits on 328 acres of farmland, approximately five miles outside of Indianapolis. Though still comprising nearly identical dimensions to the original track, the Brickyard’s original brick surface has long since been replaced with modern asphalt—save for a 3-ft. wide strip at the start/finish line. 

The race consists of 400 miles, or 160 laps, around the 2.5-mile track. Since the inaugural race, the Brickyard 400 has taken place nearly every year—save for a 3-year hiatus from 2021–2023 in favor of the Verizon 200. Notable victories include Jeff Gordon’s first-place finish at the inaugural race and several victories by Dale Earnhardt Sr., Tony Stewart, and Kyle Busch.

Celebrating 30 Years at the Brickyard

This year marks a remarkable 30 years since NASCAR held the inaugural Brickyard 400. Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NASCAR are celebrating the occasion with the return of the iconic race after its 3-year hiatus. Any purchase of a Saturday (Xfinity 250) or Sunday (Brickyard 400) ticket receives a complimentary Friday pass, allowing visitors to spectate practice laps for both races. For more information, check out the official events page for the Brickyard 400.

BackRack-Sponsored Fleet Vehicles

As with most NASCAR races, Indianapolis Motor Speedway provides several fleet vehicles for high-profile guests, drivers, and crew of the Brickyard 400 and Indy 500 races. These vehicles, dubbed the Red Fleet, include 35 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 RST pickup trucks, 11 2024 Corvette Stingrays, four 2024 Trail Blazers, and various Silverado 2500s and Suburbans—most of which come finished in Chevrolet’s Red Mist Metallic (GPH). 

All pickups come outfitted with RealTruck branding and aBackRack Original Headache Rack, offering exceptional styling and rear window protection. As a RealTruck brand, Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s usage of BackRack’s products is nothing short of an honor—plus, you can’t beat the exposure from as many as half a million attendees across both races.

Outfit Your Ride With a BackRack Headache Rack

If you’re looking to boost protection and styling, consider outfitting your ride with a BackRack Headache Rack. Headache racks help to safeguard your truck’s rear window and cab, preventing dents, dings, and shattered windows while loading cargo. 

BackRack is a leader in high-quality, fabricated steel headache racks. With a reputation for durability and outstanding fit and finish, a BackRack headache rack is more than just an accessory—it’s an investment in your truck’s style and protection. If you’re looking to outfit your truck with a BackRack headache rack, check out our selection of rack models to determine which best suits your needs.

BackRack Headache Rack Styles

BackRack offers several different headache rack models. Though all are fabricated from premium steel and finished in a high-quality powder coat, each offers unique features and characteristics. 

BackRack Safety Headache Rack

The BackRack Safety Headache Rack features classic square-tube construction with a robust, full-coverage wire mesh insert. This traditional headache rack is the perfect addition to any hard-working pickup truck.

Features: 

• High-quality steel construction

• Full-coverage wire mesh screen

• Corrosion-resistant gloss black powder-coat finish

• Separate brackets for tonneau cover install sold here

• Separate brackets for tool box installations sold here

• Simple bolt-on installation

• Limited 1-year warranty

BackRack Half Safety Headache Rack

With a nearly identical design to the BackRack Safety, the Half-Safety sports the same robust steel construction, mesh interior, and gloss black powder coat finish. However, unlike the Safety, the Half Safety’s insert features a hollow center section for superior visibility. 

Features: 

• High-quality steel construction

• Half-coverage wire mesh screen

• Corrosion-resistant gloss black powder-coat finish

• Separate brackets for tonneau cover install sold here

• Separate brackets for tool box installations sold here

• Simple bolt-on installation

• Limited 1-year warranty

BackRack Louvered Headache Rack

A high-quality steel headache rack with a stylish louvered insert. The full-coverage louvers provide exceptional protection against oversized cargo. 

Features: 

• High-quality steel construction

• Full-coverage louvered insert

• Corrosion-resistant gloss black powder-coat finish

• Separate brackets for tonneau cover install sold here

• Separate brackets for tool box installations sold here

• Simple bolt-on installation

• Limited 1-year warranty

BackRack Half Louvered Headache Rack

Similar to the traditional Louvered Headache Rack, the BackRack Half Louvered Headache Rack features robust steel construction and a durable steel louver insert. However, this headache rack retains an open center, allowing maximum visibility. 

Features: 

• High-quality steel construction

• Half-coverage louvered insert

• Corrosion-resistant gloss black powder-coat finish

• Separate brackets for tonneau cover install sold here

• Separate brackets for tool box installations sold here

• Simple bolt-on installation

• Limited 1-year warranty

BackRack Open Headache Rack

With a fully open center section, the BackRack Open Headache Rack provides maximum visibility. While offering little protection against small items and debris, the BackRack Open Headache Rack offers suitable protection against oversized items like furniture, appliances, and building supplies.  

Features: 

• High-quality steel construction

• Fully-open center section

• Corrosion-resistant gloss black powder-coat finish

• Separate brackets for tonneau cover install sold here

• Separate brackets for tool box installations sold here

• Simple bolt-on installation

• Limited 1-year warranty

BackRack Three Light Headache Rack

Boost low-light visibility with the BackRack Three Light Headache Rack, featuring six integrated light pockets to house six standard oval trailer lights (sold separately). Whether wired as auxiliary brake lights, turn signals, or cargo lights, these auxiliary light assemblies considerably boost the visibility of your vehicle and or in the bed while loading and unloading cargo.  

Features: 

• Durable steel construction

• Integrated light pockets (lights sold separately)

• Fits standard oval trailer lights

• Corrosion-resistant gloss black powder coating

• Guards rear window against impacts

• Helps to carry ladders and long loads over the cab

• Separate brackets for tonneau cover install sold here

• Separate brackets for tool box installations sold here

• No-drill installation on most applications

• Limited 1-year warranty

BackRack Trace Headache Rack

Outfit your truck with the modern styling and the BackRack Trace Headache Rack. Featuring a plate steel construction and removable side panels, this headache rack offers unmatched aesthetics. 

Features: 

• Durable 14-gauge plate steel construction

• Corrosion-resistant semi-gloss black powder coating

• Compatible with select tonneau covers

• Vehicle-specific hardware kit included

• Simple no-drill installation (most applications) 

• Pre-drilled holes for optional lighting and tie-downs

• Removable side panels

• Optional cab shield provides additional protection (sold separately)

• Limited 1-year structural warranty

BackRack Three Round Headache Rack

The BackRack Three Round Headache Rack features a simple design, including a square-tube frame and bar insert. The center section remains open for superior visibility, and the rack receives a gloss black powder coat finish and RealTruck branding.  

Features: 

• High-quality steel construction

• Partial-coverage three-bar insert

• Corrosion-resistant gloss black powder-coat finish

• Separate brackets for tonneau cover install sold here

• Separate brackets for tool box installations sold here

• Simple bolt-on installation

• Limited 1-year warranty

BackRack Original Headache Rack

The original—this headache rack features rugged 12-gauge steel construction for superior strength and durability. Its unique, narrow design provides exceptional protection to the rear windshield, while additional plate steel wings ensure full coverage. 

Features: 

• Premium 12-gauge steel construction

• Corrosion-resistant semi-gloss black powder coat finish

• Stylish low-profile design

• Offers comprehensive rear window protection while maintaining visibility

• Separate brackets for tonneau cover install sold here

• Separate brackets for tool box installations sold here

• Simple bolt-on installation

• Limited 1-year warranty

BackRack SRX Headache Rack

If sleek, contoured styling is a must-have, check out the BackRack SRX Headache Rack. Featuring a sleek boxed steel frame and stealthy gloss black powder coat finish, this low-profile headache rack makes for the perfect addition to any truck—whether a dedicated work rig or a family hauler. 

Features: 

• High-quality steel construction

• Gloss black powder coat finish

• Contoured to complement your vehicle’s cab

• Integrated horizontal slats protect the rear glass

• Preserves third brake light visibility

• Available in above-cab and inline-cab heights

• Separate brackets for tonneau cover install sold here

• Separate brackets for tool box installations sold here

• Simple no-drill installation on most applications

• Includes all required hardware and installation instruction

• Limited 1-year warranty

BackRack SRL Headache Rack

The BackRack SRL Headache Rack features nearly identical styling and construction to the SRX with one exception—two integrated LED lights for use as auxiliary brake indicators. 

Features: 

• High-quality steel construction

• Gloss black powder coat finish

• Contoured to complement your vehicle’s cab

• Integrated horizontal slats protect the rear glass

• Integrated oval light mounts accept standard trailer lights

• Preserves third brake light visibility

• Available in above-cab and inline-cab heights

• Separate brackets for tonneau cover install sold here

• Separate brackets for tool box installations sold here

• Simple no-drill installation on most applications

• Includes all required hardware and installation instruction

• Limited 1-year warranty

If you’re still having trouble deciding which BackRack Headache Rack is right for you, contact our experts for any product inquiries or assistance.