Oval importance: NASCAR drivers appreciate return of Brickyard 400 and Indy's 'big track'

INDIANAPOLIS – Several NASCAR legends lined up Sunday on the Yard of Bricks, an illustrious collection of living links to the inaugural running of stock cars at the world’s greatest racetrack. With the massive Brickyard 400 trophy sandwiched between them, 11 retired drivers who raced Aug. 6, 1994 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway had returned for this memorable photo opp.

There were five NASCAR Hall of Famers (Rusty Wallace, Dale Jarrett, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte and Ricky Rudd) – four of whom had kissed the hallowed strip of pavement at their feet in celebrating their combined nine Brickyard 400 victories. Several hours later, another Cup driver would be joining them, and for the first time in four years, it would be more than just in spirit. The return of NASCAR’s premier series to the fabled 2.

5-mile oval would constitute an elevation of prestige over the infield road course that played host to Cup from 2021-23. For defending series champion Ryan Blaney, who drives for Roger Penske (the same man who happens to hold the deed to Indianapolis Motor Speedway), the resurrection of a NASCAR “major” that had been sorely missed – and whose presence will mean that much more this year. “I always say the road course, we’re racing at Indianapolis, but when you win on the big track, it’s the Brickyard,” Blaney said.

“I feel like everybody’s mindset is that way because that’s how the Indy 500 has been run for over 100 years. It’s how (NASCAR) started here in.