NASCAR is home to diverse surprising traditions that began by chance. Kissing the Bricks pays homage to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, initially introduced in 1996. Burnouts started as an accident but turned into a celebratory spectacle. The Polish Victory Lap emerged from Alan Kulwicki’s reverse lap after his 1988 win. The ‘Big One’ describes chaotic multi-car crashes, while the superstition surrounding green cars traces back to the 1920s. Each tradition adds uniqueness to the sport’s rich history. More intriguing stories await.
Key Highlights
- The Polish Victory Lap began when Alan Kulwicki performed a spontaneous reverse lap after winning in 1988, creating a lasting tribute tradition.
- Ron Hornaday Jr.’s accidental burnout at Mesa Marin Raceway in the 1990s evolved into a celebrated victory ritual in NASCAR.
- The term “Big One” was popularized by Darrell Waltrip during the 2001 Daytona 500, capturing the excitement of multi-car crashes.
- Kissing the Bricks originated in 1996 as a tribute at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, quickly becoming a beloved post-victory ritual among drivers.
- The green car superstition began in the 1920s after Gaston Chevrolet’s accident, leading to a lasting aversion to green race cars in NASCAR.
#5 Kissing the Bricks
Although it began as a spontaneous gesture, the tradition of kissing the bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway has evolved into a revered ritual in motorsports.
Initiated in 1996 by Dale Jarrett’s crew chief, Todd Parrott, this act was intended to honor the historic track. What started as an unplanned tribute quickly gained traction, resonating with both drivers and fans similarly.
By the 2000s, IndyCar drivers welcomed the practice, solidifying its status across multiple racing disciplines.
Today, winners from any event at the Speedway partake in this ritual, symbolizing respect for the storied legacy of the venue.
The act encapsulates the deep connection between competitors and the track, enhancing the emotional gravity of victory and reinforcing a shared history within the sport.
#4 Burnouts
Burnouts have become a quintessential spectacle in NASCAR, enchanting fans and celebrating victory in an exhilarating display of power and skill.
This tradition traces its origins to a serendipitous moment when Ron Hornaday Jr. inadvertently spun out after colliding with coolant at Mesa Marin Raceway. His truck belched smoke, leading Hornaday to humorously label it an “accidental burnout,” marking the initial instance of such a celebration in Victory Lane.
However, subsequent attempts, including one at Charlotte that startled a security guard and resulted in a fine, caused Hornaday to reconsider the frequency of burnouts. He resolved to reserve them for special occasions, recognizing both their thrill and the potential risks to his truck’s equipment.
Consequently, burnouts became a cherished NASCAR ritual.
#3 Polish Victory Lap
The Polish Victory Lap stands as a unique tribute within NASCAR, symbolizing both celebration and remembrance.
Originating from Alan Kulwicki‘s spontaneous reverse lap after his 1988 victory at Phoenix, this gesture became a hallmark of victory celebrations. The term emerged when a Ford engineer humorously dubbed it a “Polish” victory lap, a nod that gained significance especially after Kulwicki’s untimely death in 1993.
Kevin Harvick’s iconic performance in 2001 at Atlanta Motor Speedway solidified the tradition, inspiring drivers to adopt this unique homage.
- Celebrates driver victories
- Honors Kulwicki’s legacy
- Represents fellowship among racers
- Merges humor with respect
- Evolved into a fan-favorite ritual
#2 The ‘Big One’
In the high-octane world of NASCAR, few events elicit as much anticipation and excitement as “The Big One.” This term refers to a massive crash, often involving multiple cars, that can dramatically alter the course of a race.
The phrase gained traction after commentator Darrell Waltrip popularized it during the iconic 2001 Daytona 500. Curiously, fans had been using the moniker on message boards prior to this moment.
Bob Jenkins also played a crucial role, having initially coined the term during a broadcast of the 1998 Winston 500.
This serendipitous blend of fan culture and broadcasting has solidified “The Big One” as a staple in NASCAR vernacular, summarizing the unpredictability and thrill of stock car racing.
#1 Green Car Superstition
Historically, superstitions have played a notable role in the world of NASCAR, with the belief that green race cars are unlucky standing out as one of the most enduring. This perception originated in the 1920s after Gaston Chevrolet’s tragic accident while driving a green car.
The superstition persisted, influencing decisions even in the 1980s, as seen when Tim Richmond refused to race a green Folgers Decaffeinated car, insisting on a switch to traditional colors.
- Gaston Chevrolet’s accident birthed the superstition.
- The belief remained prevalent into the 1940s.
- NASCAR’s founding did not eliminate the stigma.
- Green cars are still rare in modern racing.
- Drivers often avoid green to sidestep bad luck.
News In Brief: 5 Amazing NASCAR Fan Traditions That Started Totally by Accident
In the world of NASCAR, fan traditions often emerge spontaneously, adding layers of excitement and fellowship to the sport. From the heartfelt Kissing the Bricks to the exhilarating unpredictability of the ‘Big One,’ these rituals have become cherished elements of race culture. The Green Car Superstition highlights the fascinating interplay between belief and performance, reminding fans that sometimes, the most memorable practices are born from unexpected moments. Together, these traditions enrich the NASCAR experience, celebrating both the sport and its passionate community.
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