Last Sunday was the 20th anniversary of the Brickyard 400, so it was appropriate that Jeff Gordon should be the winner again. For the fifth time in his career the Pittsboro native pulled on to the victory platform and it’s fair to say that no driver has dominated the Indianapolis Motor Speedway the way Gordon has. Not Foyt, not the Unsers, not Mears, not Castroneves, not Earnhardt, not anybody.
The first race was memorable for so many reasons. Both my father and I worked as yellow shirts. I was in charge on the pedestrian gate that opened directly onto the track going into the first turn. It was a wonderful location to view the race and watch the pit action. But I digress, The Brickyard race had been a vision in the mind of several racing people, Bill France, A J Foyt, Richard Petty, and Tony George. Talks began as early as 1991, but in April of 1993 an agreement was reached and the first Brickyard was announced for August of 1994. The necessary modifications to the track were made, including lengthening the pit area and widening the entrance and exits to accommodate the stock cars and the elimination of the track apron and addition of the warm up lane. The event was greeted with great enthusiasm within the racing community. This would be the first time a racing competition other then the Indianapolis 500 would be scheduled at IMS since 1916. The race was second in interest and popularity among the Winston Cup crowd to the only to the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s premiere event. Tickets to the race were like gold and as hard to get as Dale Earnhardt’s autograph.
Several memorable firsts and lasts came from this race. It was the last time A. J. Foyt would compete in a race at the Speedway — the same for Geoff Brabbam. Jim Nabors sang the National Anthem rather then “Back Home Again” for the first and only time. Brett Bodine finished second. It was his last top five finish in a NASCAR event and he retired two years later. Ernie Irvin, who very nearly won the race ran over debris while leading with six and blew a tire which caused him to spin out. He and Gordon had been dueling for the lead for most of the second half of the race. A week later he would be critically injured at a race in Michigan which would lead to his retirement. Jeff Gordon was considered a promising young driver with a bright future going into this race. His victory helped launch him into racing superstardom. It was a fitting inaugural event.
For the first ten years, the Brickyard was one of American automobile racing’s most prestigious events and a true jewel in the NASCAR crown. In the last ten years, the race has lost a bit of luster. There are a lot of empty seats at the race now. Perhaps this is because the race isn’t blacked out on local television. I have to admit that I watched the race on TV. It’s much more comfortable and a whole lot less expensive. I would be remiss if I did not mention the success of racer Jimmy Johnson at the Brickyard 400. Johnson is one of American racing’s most popular, accomplished and respected competitors. Jimmy Johnson has won the Brickyard four times in the last eight years. That is really, really impressive! Johnson is giving Gordon a run for his money as the Brickyard’s greatest driver and definitely has to be considered among the IMS’ greatest drivers. The Andrettis may want to find out what Johnson’s secret is.
The new pylon was a major success — much easier to read and follow the car positions and what’s going on during the race. The Speedway is always at the top of racing technology. Who knows what the next twenty years will bring?
Vick Ballard is Out for the Year
The 2012 Colt rookie running sensation Vick Ballard has suffered another setback to his short NFL career. After missing almost all of the 2013 season with an ACL injury suffered in the first half of the season, Ballard was trying to get back on track and compete for the starting running back job. Last Friday he tore his left Achilles tendon and will miss the entire 2014 season. The Colts have now placed the former Mississippi State star on the Injured Reserve because they fear that another team such as New England will claim him during the waiver process. Ballard led the team in rushing in 2012 with 814 yards on 211 attempts. The Colts picked Ballard on the fifth round of the 2012 draft.
Free agent running back/return specialist pickup Chris Rainey was released Monday for violating team rules. Rainey was arrested on a domestic violence charge in 2013 which led to his dismissal from the Steelers. This leaves the Colts pretty thin at the running back spot with only Trent Richardson and Ahmed Bradshaw on the training camp roster. Bradshaw is coming back from a neck injury which gives the starting back job to Richardson by default. Richardson came to the team last year in a trade with Cleveland, which cost the Colts their 2014 number one draft pick. Richardson’s one field performance was, to be diplomatic, disappointing. He says he’s ready to make the big jump to elite running back for the Colts this coming season. But, just in case, look for the Horseshoe to bring in some free agent veterans and scour the waiver wires to add some depth at the ball carrier position.
snicewanger@yahoo.com