How kissing the bricks tradition began at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The tradition of kissing the bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway originated with NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett after his victory at the 1996 Brickyard 400. During a successful season, Jarrett and crew chief Todd Parrott devised the celebration to honor the Yard of Bricks, the track's historic surface. After their win, the duo officially initiated this now-iconic ritual by kissing the bricks at the start-finish line. The tradition remained within NASCAR until Gil de Ferran introduced it to IndyCar after winning the 2003 Indy 500, further cementing its legacy at IMS. Today, this celebration is observed by winners of various events at the venue.

• 7:05 PMYahoo Sports — How NASCAR started kissing the bricks tradition at IMS