Local Look: Indianapolis

Event: Brickyard 400

Local papers covering: Indianapolis Star, Journal-Gazette (Fort Wayne, Ind.), Tribute-Star (Terre Haute)

First Brickyard 400 started NASCAR's new era

ALSO •   More from the NASCAR.COM Newswire •   Complete Race Coverage

The deal: Steve Ballard of the Indianapolis Star says although it wasn't readily apparent at the time, NASCAR's decision in 1994 to join forces with Indianapolis Motor Speedway was the first significant step in transforming stock-car racing from a minor league sport into a major league entertainment industry.

Why we care: The race signaled the beginning of an evolution that has seen the sport expand far beyond its traditional boundaries and become, for better or worse, a cultural phenomenon.

Jeff Gordon

Heading into the 11th Brickyard 400 on Aug. 8, the 21st of 36 races in a season rife with change, it is the shaky balance of sport and entertainment that is of increasing concern to the competitors.

"The sport is teetering more toward the entertainment side and away from the racing," said Jeff Gordon, a former Pittsboro, Ind., resident who won that first Brickyard 400 and has added two more since.

For more news about Jeff Gordon, click here.

NASCAR's good ol' boys see sponsorships drying up

The deal: Todd D. Burlage of the Journal-Gazette says Jeff Burton listens as NASCAR says sponsorships have never been healthier. He watches as his four Roush Racing teammates push everything from Viagra to vodka to keep their teams viable. He smiles for the camera and says all the right things to mask his concerns for the present and future.

Jeff Burton

In a sport where colors and products are more important than handling and horsepower, Burton is the guy wearing the white suit and driving the white car this season.

Why we care: Burton finished among the top 10 in points five consecutive seasons and his 17 career wins rank ninth among active drivers. That's only five fewer wins than Terry Labonte and seven more than Sterling Marlin.

Burton finished third in the points in 2000 and was among the favorites to win the title just three years ago. He's well-spoken and good-looking. So what's the problem?

"There's a tremendous amount of effort to invest in young talent right now," Burton told the paper. "I have been around for a while and a lot of people forget I am just 37. When you're 37, that's pretty damn young."

For more NASCAR news on Burton, click here.

Labonte looking for another top Brickyard finish

The deal: Tom Reck of the Tribune-Star says Bobby Labonte won the 2000 race on his way to a Cup championship. He has finished in the top five at Indy three other times, placing second in 1997 and 1999 and third in 1998. His best finish since his victory in 2000 was 11th in 2002.

Why we care: Labonte has five top-five and nine top-10 finishes in 2004. The primary car for the Brickyard 400 is the car Labonte drove to second at Darlington and won the pole with at Texas. He will be on the rebound in Sunday's race after finishing 29th in last Sunday's race at Pocono Speedway. As a result, he dropped from seventh to ninth in the point totals and is 574 points out of first and six out of eighth.

For more NASCAR news on Labonte, click here.

Johnson taking fast route to stardom

The deal: Steve Ballard of the Indianapolis Star says not even the man who expected the most out of Jimmie Johnson expected to see this much this soon.

Jimmie Johnson

Jeff Gordon was instrumental in recruiting Johnson to Hendrick Motorsports and is a partner with Rick Hendrick in ownership of Johnson's team. Little did Gordon realize that in doing so, he was creating an immediate obstacle in his quest to add to his four NASCAR championships.

Why we care: Johnson, 28, was a virtual unknown with a background in off-road racing and an undistinguished stint in the NASCAR Busch series when he landed the plum ride at Hendrick to begin the 2002 season.

He promptly signaled his arrival by winning the pole for the season-opening Daytona 500, and in the relatively short time since has parlayed his talent and good looks into genuine stardom rivaling that of Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart.

For more NASCAR news on Johnson, click here.