The field prepares for the 21st running of the Brickyard 400.
SPEEDWAY — “We’re going to kiss the bricks boys!” Jeff Gordon shouted on his team radio after just crossing the famous bricks in his No. 24 Axalta Chevorlet at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Though a familiar visitor to victory lane, it had been a while for the veteran driver from Pittsboro, Indiana.
Gordon won the inaugural race back in 1994, then three other times prior to 2014. After early success, he hadn’t been the first driver to see the checkered flag since 2004. Gordon’s five wins is the most by a NASCAR driver at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and equals Michael Schumacher’s total in F1.
Gordon previously won in 1994, 1998, 2001, and 2004. In the time between wins here, Gordon’s teammate Jimmie Johnson won the race four times. Gordon has fared very well at this track. It’s his 17th top-10 finish in Indy.
Related: Photos from the 2014 Brickyard 400
Race fans at pagoda plaza hours before the Brickyard 400.
The 42-year-old took over the lead position on lap 17 and held on to the finish for his 90th Sprint Cup Series win.
“I finally made the restart of my life when it counted the most,” Gordon said in victory lane. “I cannot believe this just happened.
“A Brickyard 400 win — it doesn’t get any better than that.”
Kyle Busch finished second, Denny Hamlin was in third; Matt Kenseth and Joey Logano rounded out the top five.
A typical lap runs roughly 50 seconds. Harvick covered it in 47.657 at an average speed of 188.889 mph, beating Ryan Newman’s previous speed record (187.531). With his first-place finish, Gordon has a 24-point lead on Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the chase.
On Friday, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard declared race day “Jeff Gordon Day,” as they honored him on the 20th anniversary of his first win at this track. Gordon lived up to the declaration en route to yet another satisfying win. Best of all, he was able to celebrate with his wife and kids.
“This one is for all those fans throughout the years and all weekend long who said, ‘Go get No. 5.'”
Race notes:
- 43 cars were in the field. Trevor Bayne was the first out following an incident in turn 3 on lap 96.
- I haven’t seen an official attendance number but I would estimate roughly 70,000 were on hand.
- For the first time, there were sponsors covering seats, which reminded me of what the Jacksonville Jaguars do to their upper deck. (See photos.)
- The race had four cautions (lasting for 16 laps), including a competition caution on lap 22.
- Gordon has led at least one lap in 14 different Brickyard 400s.
- Kyle Larson, who placed seventh, was the top rookie finisher.
Watch the start of the 21st running of the Brickyard 400 from my perspective in the media player below: