Brayton assisted in introducing the Buick stock-block V-6 engine to Indianapolis during the mid-1980s, with his father’s firm, Brayton Engineering, being a key developer of the race engine. In 1985, he qualified second at Indianapolis and set a one-lap track record, though the engine expired, resulting in a thirtieth-place finish. He achieved his best finish at the Speedway in 1989, placing sixth, seven laps down, a result he equaled in 1993 while driving a Lola-Cosworth for Dick Simon Racing.
When Buick withdrew from IndyCar racing in 1993, John Menard Jr. continued development of the engine, now known as the Menard V-6. Without a regular ride in the CART series, Brayton joined the Indy-only Menards team in 1994. In 1995, he qualified on pole position for the Indianapolis 500, but finished seventeenth due to turbocharger and pop-off valve issues.
Brayton was scheduled to make his NASCAR debut at the 1995 Brickyard 400, but a crash during a private test resulted in a broken ankle and concussion, preventing his participation. In 1996, Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George established the Indy Racing League, and Team Menard entered their first full season. Brayton, along with rookie teammate Tony Stewart, were considered strong contenders for the IRL title, as the majority of established teams and drivers competed in the rival CART series. He won his second Indy 500 pole position in 1996 after dramatically withdrawing an already-qualified car to attempt a faster lap.
On May 17, 1996, Brayton was practicing in his backup car when a tire blew going into turn two. The car spun and hit the outside retaining wall at over 230 mph (370 km/h), resulting in a basilar skull fracture and his immediate death. His funeral in Coldwater, Michigan, was attended by many drivers and racing personalities. Teammate Tony Stewart started from the pole position, and Danny Ongais substituted for Brayton in the pole car, finishing seventh in the race.
Brayton began dating Becky in 1981, and they married after an eleven-year courtship. They had a daughter, Carly, who was two years old at the time of his death. Becky later married IRL driver Robbie Buhl in 1999, who became a partner in Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.
A street course in Grand Rapids, Michigan, used for SCCA racing was named the Scott Brayton Memorial Street Circuit and hosted the West Michigan Grand Prix in 1998 and 1999 before the event ended. Following Brayton’s death, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway created the Scott Brayton Driver's Trophy, awarded to the driver who best exemplified his attitude, spirit, and competitive drive. The trophy was awarded annually through 2009, with a driver only eligible to win it once in their career.
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