NASCAR: Dale Jarrett’s Five Most Significant Wins
By Mike Hutton
Number 2: 1996 Brickyard 400 From Indianapolis
Significance: First Indy Win, Started tradition of kissing the bricks after the race
Commentary: Dale’s win in the 1996 Brickyard 400 was impressive, as any win would be; but it is perhaps best-known for starting a tradition which has transcended auto racing still today — the kissing of the bricks following a win. The race also saw ironman Dale Earnhardt, Sr. turn over his ride to Mike Skinner several laps into the race due to injuries he had suffered a few weeks earlier at Talladega. Jarrett took the lead from Ernie Irvan with six laps remaining for the win. Almost spontaneously after the victory lane celebration, Dale and his team ran out onto the front straightaway, kneeled down and kissed the yard of bricks at the start-finish line. This started a tradition that continues today, although with much more pageantry and fanfare. In fact, winners of the Indy 500 in May have now adopted the practice.
Next: #1 - The Dale & Dale Show - 1993 Daytona 500