NASCAR is revving up for Indianapolis next, one of the most hallowed tracks in the sport. But behind the high-octane action lies a history steeped in tradition dating back to the 1930s.

It all started with the legendary racer Louis Meyer, who kicked off a streak of oddities. After clinching his second Indy 500 win in 1933, Meyer quenched his victory with a glass of cold buttermilk, his lifelong quirk. It became a tradition after his third Indy triumph in 1936. Then there’s ‘Kissing the Bricks‘ at the Brickyard 400. The winner plants a kiss on the iconic bricks, a ritual some might find a bit gross. But in NASCAR, tradition is sacred. In a recent Instagram video, NASCAR delved into the origins of the kiss.

First up in NASCAR’s bizarre traditions: ‘The Kiss of Indy’

Do you remember from last year when Michael McDowell kissed the bricks after winning the 2023 NASCAR Cup’s Indianapolis road race? The bricks have had kisses from Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, and many more in the past.

The kissing tradition is all thanks to NASCAR legend Dale Jarrett and crew chief Todd Parrott. After winning the Brickyard 400 in 1996, the pair decided to walk out to the start-finish line, kneel, and kiss the Yard of Bricks’ in honor of the track’s history. In a recent Instagram video, NASCAR goes back in time to tell us the history of the track and its tradition.

Way back in 1909, the entire surface of the Indianapolis speedway was covered in bricks—3.2 million of them. Over time, most of the track was covered in asphalt, and the bricks were removed. But in honor of the original surface, a 3-foot-wide section of bricks was left intact. This is the patch that has witnessed many kisses in the time that followed. The host in the video jokingly says, “Some even put their signature spit on them.”

The last to kiss the bricks were McDowell and his family. The iconic kiss:

As the race heads to Indianapolis next, who will be the bricks next suitor? Would it be Denny Hamlin? who has never won the Brickyard 400. Could Ryan Blaney get a back-to-back win? For now, let’s look at another bizarre tradition in Indianopolis.

Secondly, “Gentlemen, start your engines”

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The traditions of NASCAR make the sport more enjoyable and memorable. Perhaps the most anticipated time of Indianapollis is when the command ‘Drivers, start your engines’ is said. During the recent Indianapolis 500, Roger Penske, chairman of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, delivered the most iconic words in motorsports.

The most command, uttered for the first time at the 1953 Indy 500, has transcended the sport to become synonymous with the thrill of motor racing itself. The command, however, started with ‘Gentlemen, start your engines‘. It evolved over time as more and more female racers entered the sport. Although at times, in some races, it is still said ‘gentlemen’.

The command is not limited to Indianapolis. It is used on other tracks as well. Celebrities present in the race are often invited to deliver the words. Like at the Daytona 500 this year, actor Dwyane Johnson said, “In the proud spirit of America and in the proud spirit of our great country, finally the rock says, Drivers, start your engines.”

Laced with tradition and the very spirit of racing culture, Indianapolis is the next challenge for NASCAR drivers. It’ll be interesting to note who emerges victorious and leaves a lip print on the bricks.