NASCAR VIDEO: Tony Stewart hits the dirt at IMS

Tuesday was a special day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

After a media day for the Crown Royal 400 at the Brickyard, the speedway ignored the three-time Sprint Cup champion's request for no gifts – and debuted a 3/16ths-mile dirt oval, built as a going-away present for him on the infield at Turn 3. 

"He's really meant an awful lot because he's our hometown driver," IMS president Doug Boles said. "He's the guy we've seen since he was at the beginning and that's something really special you don't get in racecar drivers every day. And that means a lot to our fans and it means a lot to this event and we're excited that he's been part of the speedway. This is his favorite track."

After waving the green flag, the two-time Brickyard winner joined fellow racers Sarah Fisher and Bryan Clauson for some laps around the dirt track.

"It was pretty cool," Stewart said through laughter. "It brought back a lot of memories." 

Boles told the Indy Star the speedway could hold some special events – possibly during Indiana Sprint Week or an event during the Crown Royal 400 – but it does not plan to host frequent dirt races. The area that will house the track will still serve as infield parking for major oval events.

Stewart will return to the IMS oval for his final Brickyard 400 July 22-24.