It is Indy weekend for NASCAR and the Brickyard is all abuzz….or should we say licking its lips in preparation for the Allstate 400 this Sunday. And there is no doubt that whoever wins the race will be kissing those disgusting bricks at the end of the race.
Who started this dirty little tradition? NASCAR Scene reports in their story “Sealed with a Kiss” that we have Todd Parrott, then crew chief to Dale Jarrett to thank. In 1996, he herded his Robert Yates Racing team after their victory to the brick-laden start finish line, got the team lined up in a row, told them to turn their caps backwards, and on the count of three, instructed them to lean over as one and kiss those bricks. This grimy tradition lives on and every NASCAR winner has followed suit since. And there have been some memorable brick kisses. Who can forget Jeff Gordon’s win when he practically had an all out orgy with the bricks – that must have been at a time before Ingrid and marital bliss. And be honest, we all did feel a little sorry for the bricks on that one. Another memorable moment occurred when Jimmie Johnson and most lovely wife Chandra kissed the bricks together. It was a sweet moment, but can you imagine the conversation back in the motor home after that? “Don’t ever make me do that again, Jimmie”.
Today's Must Reads
But in spite of all the complaints from crews about getting their lips covered in grease and having bits of tire rubber stuck in their teeth, there is no sweeter tradition for a NASCAR driver and team then brick kissing at the Brickyard. The best example of this was last year’s race and brick kissing moment. None of us will ever forget the look on Tony Stewart’s face, and the looks on every team members’ faces, when they as one leaned over and achieved the highest goal in their racing careers, victory at Indy.
It is a tradition that most likely will never die and will live on this Sunday when one of the 43 drivers and his team will twist their caps around and press their lips to the bricks. Who will it be? That’s anyone’s guess at this point in the season. But, whoever, it is, just take the Purell and sanitizing wipes with you to the bricks please!
comments (3) write a comment »
write a new comment
about 1 month ago
I'm sure Chandra Johnson (and anyone who's had the honor of kissing the bricks) was really upset after wiping her mouth all the way to the bank... Not!
What's next? Oooh! Don't spray me with (insert sticky liquid sports drink, cola, or alcoholic beverage here) because I just won the race! My only complaint at that point is the idea of not being able to shower before the flight home to Charlotte. Ick!
Here's to Jeff Gordon having a FIFTH opportunity to kiss the bricks on Sunday. I'd just as soon an American be on the list for most wins at Indy, and eventually surpass Michael Schumacher!
But if anyone should have a gripe it's the Sprint girls, and they get paid to be there for the shower (I hope they get a stipend for their dry cleaning...)
about 1 month ago
I don't really think drivers mind having that honor there are 42 other drivers every year who wouldn't mind kissing those bricks.
I think this is jeff or Smokes weekend one of them is going to win. Not only does jeff have history on his side hes also got a little momentum,been running better the last month or so, and the team seems to have a little bit of the confidence back.
And for Smoke contract talks can be distracting thats why after the announcement he posted a top 5 finish at Chicagoland both these drivers love Indy not only becasue it's there "home track" but because its going to give them so momentum the next couple weeks.
about 1 month ago
Great read, Mary Jo. Maybe this year we will get to see Ingrid kiss the bricks.
write a new comment