Brickyard 400 weekend kicks off with annual Hauler Parade

For the first time, IMS hosted the opening night of USAC Sprint Week. Earlier in the day, fans got to enjoy a special racing tradition on Main Street.

“I always wanted to be a racecar driver,” said NASCAR fan Noah Savvulidi. “But hey, since I can’t be a racecar driver, I might as well watch it.”

And there’s no better place to watch from than the racing capital of the world – where the Brickyard 400 weekend kicked off with the annual Hauler Parade, giving fans an up-close NASCAR experience and a taste of the excitement to come.

“It’s really surreal to meet some guys that are really good at what they do and really being an inspiration for all the younger generations,” said NASCAR fan Phoenix Hanna.

NASCAR driver Riley Herbst told us himself – it’s the most famous racetrack on earth and he’s looking forward to the green flag waving.

“There’s nothing like the oval at Indy. It’s just so historic,” Herbst said. “All the greats have raced here and won here and the history just speaks for itself.”

When the drivers and haulers arrive, they feel what fans already know to be true – nobody else does it like Indy.

“It’s one of our crown jewel races and fans certainly make it feel like that with the whole town coming around it here in Indy,” said NASCAR driver Todd Gilliland.

The connection is extra special for one home-state driver, Justin Haley.

“I grew up in Indiana so it’s pretty meaningful to be here,” Haley said. “And, obviously, Gainbridge – my sponsor, has got quite the presence in Indianapolis. So this is a good race for us, we’re expecting a lot out of it.”

FOX59/CBS4 crews also caught up with IMS President Doug Boles about the potential for storms in the weekend forecast.

“We’ve got the team ready to go. Hopefully, we don’t have to deal with it, but if we do, we work with NASCAR and their broadcast partners and we’ll sort it out as the weather unfolds and hands us what it’s going to hand us,” Boles said.

Thankfully, if there’s one thing about these fans, they’d never let anything rain on their parade… Or favorite traditions.

“As a little kid, growing up watching NASCAR, it’s always fun to come out, enjoy the races, spend time with family,” said NASCAR fan Isaac Jones.

“Whether it’s in May – I’ve been coming since probably about 1962 or 1963 when my grandparents and parents brought me out here as a youngster and it’s just continued on,” said NASCAR fan Dave Yurasko.

“Greatest track on earth. It’s truly something else,” added Hanna. “From the Indy 500 to the Brickyard 400, it’s special.”