Surface material laid down in 1909 gave a landmark venue this nickname; a 36-inch strip remains today
The Final Jeopardy clue for Thursday, May 21, 2026, appeared in the category “Sports Venues” and read: “Surface material laid down in 1909 gave a landmark venue this nickname; a 36-inch strip remains today.” The clue points to one of the most famous sites in American auto racing, where the original paving material became part of the venue’s identity. The correct response is the nickname of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Contents
What Is “The Brickyard”?
“The Brickyard” is the famous nickname for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. The name comes from the millions of paving bricks that were installed in 1909 after the track’s original crushed stone and tar surface proved dangerous.
The clue’s reference to a remaining 36-inch strip is the key detail. Although the track was later paved over with asphalt, a narrow strip of the original bricks was preserved at the start-finish line. That strip remains one of the most recognizable features of the venue.
The 1909 Surface That Changed the Track
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in 1909, but its early racing surface caused major safety problems. The original surface broke apart during races, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and spectators.
To solve the problem, the track was repaved with more than three million bricks. This was a major engineering improvement at the time and gave the speedway a sturdier, more reliable racing surface. The brick paving also gave rise to the nickname that has lasted for more than a century.
The Meaning of the 36-Inch Brick Strip
As asphalt replaced the brick surface over time, most of the original brickwork disappeared from the racing line. However, a 36-inch strip of bricks was kept at the start-finish line as a tribute to the track’s history.
That strip is more than a decorative remnant. It connects modern racing at Indianapolis with the speedway’s earliest years. Drivers, teams, and fans still treat it as a symbol of the venue’s tradition.
Why the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Is a Landmark Venue
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is best known as the home of the Indianapolis 500, one of the most famous races in the world. The venue has played a central role in American motorsports since the early 20th century.
Its scale, history, and traditions have made it more than just a racetrack. From the preserved bricks to the annual running of the Indy 500, the speedway has become a landmark in both sports and American culture.
Why This Final Jeopardy Clue Works
This clue works because it asks for a nickname rather than the venue itself. The surface material points to bricks, and the remaining strip confirms the connection to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The correct response, “The Brickyard,” fits every part of the clue. It comes directly from the track’s historic brick surface, and the 36-inch strip at the start-finish line keeps that nickname visible today.
