Kissing the Bricks: The History and Significance of the Famous Yard of Bricks at Indianapolis

The History and Significance of the Famous Yard of Bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to one of the most iconic traditions in motorsports - kissing the yard of bricks at the start/finish line. This unique ritual signifies a driver's victory at the iconic track and is synonymous with the greatest spectacle in racing, the Indianapolis 500.

The Origins of the Brickyard

The Indy 500 dates back to 1911 when the Indianapolis Motor Speedway first opened. The 2.5 mile oval track was originally surfaced with crushed stone and tar. This proved to be a disaster as the surface broke apart during the inaugural race. Speedway co-founder Carl Fisher decided to completely repave the track with over 3 million bricks in time for the 1909 racing season.

This distinctive brick surfacing led to the famous nickname "The Brickyard." The bricks were laid on a bed of sand and then covered with tar fill between rows. While some sections of the bricks have been covered with asphalt over the years, a 36 inch strip of the original bricks has been preserved at the start/finish line.

Kissing the Bricks: An Indianapolis Tradition

The tradition of winners kissing the yard of bricks started in 1996 when NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett and his crew spontaneously walked out to the start/finish line and kissed the bricks after winning the Brickyard 400. This started a ritual that has become ingrained in the culture of motorsports.

Now, every Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400 winner participates in the ceremony along with their crew. It is considered a rite of passage and immense honor to literally kiss the bricks that so many legendary drivers have touched. Both the bricks and the kiss represent the history and challenging nature of the track.

The Bricks Over the Years

While the start/finish brick strip has remained untouched, other sections of original bricks have been covered up over the decades.

In 1961, over 1 million bricks were paved over with asphalt on the main straightaways to create a smoother surface. During the resurfacing, thousands of bricks were purchased by fans as collectible mementos.

In 2004, the entire track, except for the start/finish line bricks, was repaved with asphalt. This time, unused bricks were donated for charity auctions to benefit foundations and museums.

During the most recent repave in 2021, bricks were excavated and sold to raise funds for charity. Fans and collectors eagerly purchased the vintage bricks to own a component of history.

The Last Row

One unique section of bricks lies just past the start/finish line - the last row of bricks along the edge of the track surface. Tradition holds that the winner of the Indy 500 kisses the main yard of bricks, but the winner will sometimes also kiss this last row of bricks as a more personal celebration.

The last row of bricks was also temporarily removed during construction projects and then returned to its place. It holds special significance for celebrating the end of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

Memorable Brickyard Moments

Many iconic Indianapolis victories have been capped off with memorable brick kissing moments:

• In 2016, Alexander Rossi unexpectedly won the 100th running of the Indy 500 on fuel strategy. Rossi dropped to his knees and passionately kissed the bricks in disbelief and elation.
• In 2019, Simon Pagenaud defeated Alexander Rossi in a heart-pounding duel to the finish. After taking the checkered flag, Pagenaud could be seen lying flat on his back exhausted on the bricks and kissing them.
• In 2020, Takuma Sato won his second Indy 500 after barely holding off Scott Dixon. Sato knelt and placed both hands on the bricks, reflecting on his journey.

Both NASCAR and IndyCar drivers have created indelible scenes with their emotional brickyard celebrations over the years.

Legacy of the Bricks

The iconic yard of bricks represents over a century of racing history at the Brickyard. Champions and cars have come and gone, but the bricks remain as a testament to the origins and traditions of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

To drivers, the bricks symbolize overcoming immense odds and achieving racing immortality by conquering the immense challenge of Indy. Kissing the bricks grounds each victor as they reflect on joining the ranks of legends.

For fans, the bricks are a connection to the glory days of early racing and a visual reminder that they are witnessing history. The sights and sounds of cheering crews kissing the bricks has become an indelible part of Indy lore.

The bricks have been a silent witness to every triumph, defeat, and remarkable story that has played out over 107 runnings of the Indy 500. No matter what surface the cars race over, the bricks will endure as an integral part of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

FAQs

Why are there bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

The original racing surface at Indy was crushed stone and tar, but it broke apart. In 1909, the track was repaved with over 3 million bricks, which led to the "Brickyard" nickname.

How many original bricks remain at the track?

A 36 inch strip of the original 1909 bricks remains at the start/finish line. This iconic yard of bricks is now most famous for the post-race kissing tradition.

Have any old bricks been sold as collectibles?

Yes, unused bricks were sold to fans as mementos during resurfacing projects in 1961 and 2004. Bricks excavated in 2021 were also sold to benefit charity.

Who started the tradition of kissing the bricks?

NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett and his crew are credited with starting the brick kissing tradition after winning the Brickyard 400 in 1996.

What makes the last row of bricks special?

The last row of bricks along the edge of the track is considered extra special for winners to kiss as one final personal celebration.