Kiss my bricks...

This weekend the Brickyard (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) will host the Brickyard 400 presented by Allstate. The track most known for Indy car racing and the United States Grand Prix will host another variety of fan, those of the stockcar. NASCAR first ran the Brickyard in 1994 when Jeff Gordon won the inagural race, Dale Earnhardt followed in 1995. The most memorable of Brickyard wins has to be 2005 when Tony Stewart crossed the strip of bricks first to capture a win at his home track. A childhood dream had become reality. The raw emotion of a grown man seeing one of his dreams met, was simply inspiring.

I've been lucky enough to see the yard of bricks, twice. I went once with my family in 1995 and then again in 1998. In 1998 I was able to see the Indy 500, something I'll remember forever. It's not just the racing, it's the atmosphere, it's the history.

My mom and dad took my sister and I to the track as part of our vacation. I was in awe as we walked through the museum that sits inside the track. The history that was in that building is unmatched. I would call myself somewhat of a history buff when it comes to motorsports, I guess you could call me old school. I love looking at old photographs, seeing old cars and then trying to put into my mind what it must have been like to be there, back in the day.

I can honestly say my mom and sister aren't the biggest fans of motorsports, and even they could appreciate the rich history that is american motorsports. This history dates back before there were stock cars on the beaches of Daytona. This is the true grit american racing that set forward ideas and concepts that ulitmately put us where we are today. Even the non-fan has to appreicate that innovative ambition. This is where four wheeled competion grew legs and started to branch out. This is where it all began.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Facts

Did you know...

**The track was built on the northwest fringe of Indianapolis in 1909 as a proving ground for automobiles and the booming auto industry of Indiana.

**The track was once paved with 3.2 million bricks, nicknamed the "Brickyard". One strip of the original brick surface remains dubbed the "Yard of Bricks" at start/finish line.

**In 1996 after Dale Jarrett won the Brickyard 400 he kissed the yard of bricks. That tradition is still practiced today by NASCAR winners. (the past 3 Indy 500 winners have also stopped to smooch.)

**Milk is used in victory lane at the Indianapolis 500, a tradition since the 30s.

**The Speedway Hall of Fame and Museum is one of racings most famous museums.



Check it out, Sunday @ noon on ESPN

-Mo-
Sarah