The 2010 Brickyard 400 will begin earlier than in recent years — at 1 p.m. — as part of a standardization of start times for NASCAR Sprint Cup races next season.

The stock car race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway officially began at 2:23 p.m. this year. Next year’s event is scheduled for July 25.

The Brickyard is one of 28 Sprint Cup events to have an earlier start time next season, including the Daytona 500, which also will start at 1 p.m. Of those, 20 will move to 1 p.m. ET, five to 3 p.m. and three will be at 7:30 p.m.

“In looking at the last couple of years, we’ve been going later in the broadcast window and we haven’t been as consistent as we can (be),” NASCAR chairman Brian France said on a teleconference announcing the change. “(This) will certainly help us in the future.”

NASCAR worked closely with tracks and television partners Fox, Turner and ESPN/ABC. ESPN will continue to televise the Brickyard 400 live in 2010.

Jeff Belskus, president and chief executive officer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp., approves of the change.

“A 1 p.m. green flag gives us more flexibility to complete the race that day in case of inclement weather,” he said. “It also provides more daylight travel time for our fans driving home longer distances.”

IMS also is considering an earlier start time for the Indianapolis 500. This year’s green flag waved at 1:12 p.m. A start shortly after noon is being considered, partly in hopes of enticing participation in both it and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 that evening.