What Is 2020 Big Machine Hand Sanitizer 400

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2020 Big Machine Hand Sanitizer 400 was a NASCAR Cup Series race held on September 12, 2020, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, won by Kevin Harvick driving the No. 4 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing.

Key Facts

Race occurred on September 12, 2020 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Winner: Kevin Harvick in the No. 4 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing
Sponsored by Big Machine Records and promoted hand sanitizer due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Race distance: 400 miles (160 laps) on a 2.5-mile oval
Harvick led 63 laps and secured his 50th career NASCAR Cup Series victory

Overview

The 2020 Big Machine Hand Sanitizer 400 was a pivotal NASCAR Cup Series event held during a season heavily impacted by the global pandemic. It took place at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, marking one of the few times a major motorsport race carried a title sponsor directly referencing public health measures.

This race was notable not only for its unusual sponsorship but also for its timing—midway through a season with modified protocols. The event drew national attention due to its blend of high-speed competition and pandemic-related messaging, symbolizing broader societal shifts.

Sponsorship origin:Big Machine Records, owned by music executive Scott Borchetta, extended its branding to include hand sanitizer as a nod to public health needs in 2020.
Date and location: The race was held on September 12, 2020, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, a 2.5-mile oval track.
Winner:Kevin Harvick claimed victory driving the No. 4 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing, marking his third win of the 2020 season.
Race length: The event spanned 160 laps for a total distance of 400 miles, consistent with the traditional format at Indianapolis.
Attendance: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event was held with limited fans, estimated at under 10,000 spectators, a sharp drop from previous years.

How It Works

The Big Machine Hand Sanitizer 400 operated under standard NASCAR Cup Series rules but featured unique branding and safety messaging. The race structure, vehicle specifications, and competition format followed 2020 series regulations, with added health protocols for teams and staff.

Track Type: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a 2.5-mile quad-oval with four distinct turns, each banked at 9 degrees, demanding high-speed precision.
Vehicle Specs: NASCAR Cup Series cars used in 2020 featured 750-horsepower V8 engines, reaching top speeds over 180 mph on the straightaways.
COVID-19 Protocols: All team members underwent daily temperature checks and were required to wear masks when not on the track, per NASCAR’s 2020 health plan.
Sponsorship Integration:Big Machine promoted hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the venue, with branding visible on signage, uniforms, and digital content.
Race Strategy: Pit stops occurred approximately every 45–50 laps, with teams balancing fuel, tire wear, and track position under stage racing rules.
Television Coverage: The event was broadcast nationally on NBC Sports, reaching an estimated 3.2 million viewers, slightly down from prior years due to scheduling changes.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2020 Big Machine Hand Sanitizer 400 with previous Indianapolis races:

Year	Winner	Sponsor Name	Attendance	TV Viewers (approx.)
2018	Brad Keselowski	Brickyard 400	250,000	4.1 million
2019	Chase Elliott	Brickyard 400	200,000	3.8 million
2020	Kevin Harvick	Big Machine Hand Sanitizer 400	10,000	3.2 million
2021	Kyle Larson	Verizon 200	50,000	2.9 million
2022	Chase Briscoe	Verizon 200	75,000	2.7 million

The 2020 race stands out for its pandemic-era adjustments, including a drastically reduced crowd and a rebranded title reflecting public health concerns. While viewership remained relatively stable, the shift in sponsorship and fan presence underscored the evolving nature of live sports during a global crisis.

Why It Matters

The 2020 Big Machine Hand Sanitizer 400 was more than a race—it was a cultural moment reflecting how sports adapted to unprecedented challenges. Its legacy lies in how it balanced competition with responsibility, setting precedents for future events.

Public health messaging: The sponsorship highlighted hand hygiene during a critical phase of the pandemic, reinforcing safety in a high-profile setting.
Commercial innovation:Big Machine Records leveraged NASCAR to promote a product line, blurring traditional boundaries between music, branding, and public health.
Historical anomaly: The race is one of the few in motorsport history to feature sanitizer in its official title, making it a unique footnote.
Impact on NASCAR: The event demonstrated NASCAR’s ability to adapt quickly to health regulations while maintaining broadcast quality and fan engagement.
Kevin Harvick’s legacy: His win marked his 50th career Cup Series victory, solidifying his status as one of NASCAR’s modern greats.
Future implications: The race set a precedent for cause-based sponsorships in motorsports, potentially influencing future branding strategies.

In summary, the 2020 Big Machine Hand Sanitizer 400 was a symbol of resilience and adaptation, merging sport and societal needs in a way that resonated far beyond the racetrack.