After the final off-weekend of the season, NASCAR heads to quite possibly the most hallowed ground for any form of auto racing.

Just stepping into the entrance of Gasoline Alley, the chills run through the body.  Knowing the famous names that have won at this speedway makes hair stand on end, both on arms and the back of the neck.

Standing on the speedway, and looking at the layer of bricks that are at the start/finish line showcases the history, and significance, of this 2.5-mile rectangle shaped monster.  For over 100 years, Indy Car made it's home at this track, with several drivers drinking the milk and wearing a wreath.

NASCAR has only been here since 1994, but even at the first test session, the sport was welcomed with open arms.  Would they belong...do they belong...should they even be here?

After 17 years, the answer is clearly yes.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has shown that NASCAR is gladly welcome on its famous track, and has led to the now customary "Kissing of the Bricks" after each victory.

Greats such as Earnhardt, Jarrett, Elliott and Labonte have earned their victory here, and now it has become just as important a victory to one's career alongside the Daytona 500.

The question now becomes who will take home the next win at this infamous speedway.  Let's ask our writers.  Here's their choices for victory in Sunday's Brickyard 400:

 

Misan Ayuka:  Tony Stewart

After Loudon where Tony Stewart started second, lead 48 laps and finished seocnd to teammate Ryan Newman, Stewart looks to be right on track for his typical summer surge and he would certainly love to start a winning streak at Indy.Smoke alreayd has two wins at the Brickyard.  His connection to this track with the fact that he grew up near it being a natvie hoosier makes it all more meaningful.Stewart will be strong Sunday and if Loudon was nay indication Stewart-Haas racing is ready for the rest of the season.

 

James Broomhead:  Kyle Busch

Not much time for comments.

 

Kelly Crandall:  Jimmie Johnson

Even though my gut is saying Matt Kenseth, no that's not a typo, the statistics say Johnson.

 

Billy Fellin:  Jeff Gordon

I wanted to go with Kevin Harvick just because of the fact that he hasn't had a come from nowhere win in awhile, but I'll go with Gordon just because he has been the man at the Brickyard. Montoya will be good as always, but Gordon has consistency and a solid base.

That new crew chief with the 42 scared me away from that pick this week.

 

Michael Hirshbein:  Kyle Busch

No reason given.

 

Christopher Leone:  Jeff Gordon

Just a hunch. Nothing more.

 

Kara Martin:  Tony Stewart

Sorry, I was in vacation mode.

 

Ryan O'Hara:  Jeff Gordon

I have to go with the four-time winner here. Just take a look at how consistent the 24 is getting. Gordon is starting to really run well at tracks he well...let's say has not won in a while. He hadn't won a complete Pocono race since 1998, why not become the first man to win 5 races at Indy this week? Go Jeff.

 

Dustin Parks:  Jeff Gordon

My mind is saying go with Montoya since he can't have bad luck three years in a row, but the crew chief change made my mind up for me.  My gut is saying go with Stewart since his team has momentum and this is home to him.

But, in the end I began thinking back and how it's been seven years since the No. 24 won at this speedway.  He didn't win at Phoenix nor Pocono since 2007, and those ended this year.

Gotta go with my No. 1 driver, since this is home for him as well, and I can see him kissing, or as he says "making out" with the bricks just as he did seven years ago.

 

Sal Sigala Jr:  Jimmie Johnson

No reason given.

 

Rob Tiongson:  Jeff Gordon

There's something in the air about Indy and Jeff Gordon this weekend and for some reason, it has the makings for a No. 24 team win at The Brickyard. While New Hampshire certainly isn't the biggest track, his flat track program has been stellar and Indy isn't exactly the most high banked track on the circuit.

Alan Gustafson, who strives on these types of tracks, has to be licking his chops to have his best shot to win at Indy with the event's only four-time winner and "The Drive for Five" could start here. It'll feel like 1994, '98, '01, and '04 again, folks. Watch for JG to repeat his feat.

 

Standings following New Hampshire:

Kelly Crandall (664) Jimmie Johnson finished fifth (3)

Billy Fellin (647) Kurt Busch finished 10th (2)

James Broomhead (642) Jimmie Johnson finished fifth (1)

Sal Sigala Jr. (639) Kyle Busch finished 36th (3)

Christopher Leone (605) Greg Biffle finished 18th (2)

Kara Martin (601) Denny Hamlin finished third (1)

Michael Hirshbein (601) Kyle Busch finished 36th (3)

Ryan O'Hara (596) Jimmie Johnson finished fifth (1)

Dustin Parks (583) Tony Stewart finished second (0)

Rob Tiongson (564) Clint Bowyer finished 17th (1)

Misan Ayuka (563) Ryan Newman WON (3)

 

Final Thoughts:  This track has made memories for many drivers.  The inaugural win, the hometown victory, and the first kissing of the bricks.

What more can be said about a track with as big a history as Indy?  Only thing that really can be said is that another chapter will be written on Sunday afternoon.

Coverage begins at Noon ET with NASCAR Countdown, hosted by Nicole Briscoe, Rusty Wallace and Brad Daugherty.  One hour later, Allen Bestwick, Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree bring you the call on ESPN.

 

Summary of Picks:

Jeff Gordon-5

Kyle Busch-2

Jimmie Johnson-2

Tony Stewart-2