Who made the bricks for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?
Emma Miller
Updated on January 13, 2026
It was prepared by John Blazier and Tom Rollings – who did historians and aficionados of our sport a great service through their work. At 3.2 million bricks the order awarded to Wabash Clay Company (see Wabash Clay Co attachment) was so large that they – nor any other brick manufacturer – could meet the contract.
Why are there bricks at Indy?
The tradition of “kissing the bricks” was started by NASCAR champion Dale Jarrett. After his Brickyard 400 victory in 1996, Jarrett and crew chief Todd Parrott decided to walk out to the start-finish line, kneel and kiss the Yard of Bricks to pay tribute to the fabled history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
When were the bricks removed from Indianapolis Motor Speedway?
October 1961
In October 1961, the final remaining brick sections of the track were paved over with asphalt, with the exception of a distinct three-foot-wide line of bricks at the start-finish line. The “Brickyard” thus became known for its “Yard of Bricks”.
Why is it called a Brickyard?
The term “Brickyard” is a reference to the nickname historically used for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. When the race course opened in August 1909, the track surface was crushed stone and tar. From 2005 to 2009, the race was known as the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard under a naming rights arrangement with Allstate.
Who was the first person to win the Indianapolis 500 4 times?
Brazilian auto racer Helio Castroneves made history after winning his fourth Indianapolis 500 race on Sunday. He is now one of four drivers to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” four times. Castroneves, who took the checkered flag in 2001, 2002 and 2009, held off runner-up racer Alex Palou, winning by a mere .
How much are bricks UK?
Bricks are usually priced per thousand and can vary in cost ranging from cheap common bricks at £200/1000 through to high end handmade or glazed bricks at £3 each.
What race track is called the Brickyard?
On December 14, 1909, workers place the last of the 3.2 million 10-pound bricks that pave the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana (a town surrounded by the city of Indianapolis).
How much did Roger Penske pay for Indianapolis?
Deal said to be worth $250 million to $300 million Roger Penske assumed ownership of the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the IndyCar Series on Monday, completing a stunning acquisition that confirms Penske Corp. as the fourth owner in the Indy circuit’s history.
Do Indycar drivers kiss the bricks?
Indy 500 winners kiss the bricks The Indy 500 borrowed this tradition from NASCAR’s Brickyard 400. Dale Jarrett kissed the bricks after his 1996 victory, and Gil de Ferran picked it up for the 2003 Indy 500. Now, everyone who wins at the facility — car racers, air racers, golfers — make sure they kiss the bricks.
How many drivers have won the Indianapolis 500 4 times?
four men
From left, A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Rick Mears and Helio Castroneves pose for a portrait Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. All four men have won the Indianapolis 500 four times. Foyt’s wins came in 1961, 1964, 1967 and 1977. Unser’s wins came in 1970, 1971, 1978 and 1987.
Where was the first Indianapolis Motor Speedway built?
Built on 328 acres of farmland five miles northwest of Indianapolis, Indiana, the speedway was started by local businessmen as a testing facility for Indiana’s growing automobile industry.
What was the capitalization of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?
Early history. The group incorporated the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Company on March 20, 1909, with a capitalization of $250,000, with Fisher and James Allison in for $75,000 apiece and Frank Wheeler and Arthur Newby on board for $50,000 each.
What kind of dirt is used at Indianapolis Motor Speedway?
The track surface consisted of graded and packed soil covered by 2 inches (5 cm) of gravel, 2 inches (5 cm) of limestone covered with taroid (a solution of tar and oil), 1–2 inches (3–5 cm) of crushed stone chips that were also drenched with taroid, and a final topping of crushed stone.
Where is the checkered flag at Indianapolis Motor Speedway?
Checkered Flag shopping-cart user icon-shopping-cart user Search facebook youtube envelop instagram2 twitter-square snapchat instagram twitter chatbubbles ticket phone blog. 4790 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222. (800) 822-4639 (317) 492-6700. Mon – Fri, 9a.m.