Top moments from the Eldora Dirt Derby

The annual Eldora Dirt Derby has quickly become a showcase event for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In just five runnings, the race has produced plenty of signature happenings and traditions. With this year's Dirt Derby (9 p.m. ET, FS1, MRN, SiriusXM) on tap Wednesday, it's time to reflect on the moments that have made Truck Series racing at Eldora Speedway so special.

NORM'S BIG DAY: Few moments can top Norm Benning's underdog charge into the inaugural main event, using a full-fendered move to hold off Clay Greenfield for the final transfer spot in the last-change qualifying race. 'I never lifted,' Benning told the TV broadcast afterward, a phrase that became the veteran driver's mantra. Other teams cheered Benning's effort, pitching in to repair his No. 57 entry for the feature.

FOUR-WIDE FRENZY: The four-wide salute to the fans during pace laps has become a now-annual nod to dirt-track racing roots. In true Eldora fashion, it's accompanied by an over-the-top pyrotechnic display that heats up the Ohio countryside behind the backstretch.

DIG IT UP: The golden shovel presented to the winner, seen here with 2014 Derby champ Bubba Wallace, has become a trademark part of Eldora's Victory Lane ceremonies. Race winners have been prone to dig up a portion of the frontstretch, placing it in keepsake jars as a souvenir.

DIRT STAR POWER: The lure of a NASCAR national series race at Eldora has drawn several big names well-known in dirt-track racing circles. That list included dirt late model royalty with Scott Bloomquist running in the inaugural event. This year's entry list features Chris Windom, Logan Seavey, John Provenzano and Kyle Strickler among the dirt aces expected to contend.

ELDORA DARLING: One dirt-track standout who very nearly broke through to Victory Lane was Bobby Pierce, who won the pole in his Truck Series debut at the half-mile oval in 2015. The Illinois dirt hotshot led 39 laps in Mike Mittler's No. 63 and came home as runner-up to Christopher Bell.

VETERAN POISE: Ken Schrader scored one for the 'Fraternal Order of Go-Fast' (as the Eldora public-address announcer has noted) in the race's 2013 debut. At age 58, the well-traveled Schrader became the oldest pole winner in a national-series event, topping qualifying at the oh-so-familiar facility.

LARSON LAYS IT ON THE LINE: Bubba Wallace prevailed in the second running of the Dirt Derby, but Kyle Larson's hurried pursuit of the race winner left the crowd buzzing. In the closing laps, Larson's No. 32 truck repeatedly clanged off the outside retaining wall until it finally gave out, leaving him 26th in the final rundown.

SMOKE IN HIS ELEMENT: Tony Stewart may have retired from full-time NASCAR racing, but his connection to the grassroots of motorsports remains strong. For Dirt Derby week, Stewart is often seen managing his track owner role at Eldora Speedway, making sure track conditions are optimal and that operations are flowing smoothly. It's a different side of Smoke, but one that's familiar and comforting for Eldora fans.