Built originally as a test facility for the burgeoning Indiana car industry, the track was paved with 3.2 million bricks following a series of races in 1909. Ever since this, the Speedway has been known as "The Brickyard". Almost all of the original bricks are still intact under several layers of asphalt. There is still one yard of exposed brick on the front stretch at the start/finish line.
Since 1911, "The Brickyard" has hosted the Indianapolis 500 mile race, which is one of the most famous races in the world; except during the two World Wars, the Indianapolis 500 mile race has been held on Memorial Day weekend ever since.
1n 1994, a new tradition began with the arrival of NASCAR and the start of the Brickyard 400.