The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is nicknamed the Brickyard because the track was once paved with bricks.
In 1909, paving bricks were laid on top of the Speedway’s original surface of crushed rock and tar, and was the racing surface for many years. From the 1930s onwards, asphalt was overlaid on certain sections, and by today the entire track surface is asphalt except for a 36-inch strip of the original bricks which remains visible at the start/finish line.
A tradition of Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400 winners kissing this Yard of Bricks was started by NASCAR champion Dale Jarrett after his Brickyard 400 victory in 1996.
