Mountain Dew Takes Over Indy

From Whiskey Chaser to Skyline Statement: Mountain Dew Takes Over Indy

In a bold tribute to racing season, the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis now sports a massive Mountain Dew mural—spanning 150 feet wide and 249 feet tall—on its west-facing side.

This eye-catching display, roughly the size of a football field, was installed as part of a sponsorship deal between PepsiCo and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, celebrating the 109th running of the Indy 500. The mural’s vibrant “Green Means Go” theme adds a splash of energy to the city’s skyline, embodying Mountain Dew’s high-octane spirit.

WIBC’S Mountain Dew enthusiast, Jason Hammer says, “I love it”! But not everyone is a fan. Recent posts on Reddit say the mural is in bad taste.

Where did Mountain Dew origins begin?

Mountain Dew didn’t start as the bright, bold soda we know today. In 1932, it was a simple homemade drink. Brothers Barney and Ally Hartman made it as a mixer for whiskey. They wanted something that made the whiskey go down easier.

They called it “Mountain Dew,” a nickname for moonshine. The drink had no alcohol. It was clear, lemon-lime flavored, and had no caffeine or color.

At first, it was just for friends and local use in Knoxville, Tennessee. In 1957, they made the flavor stronger. Pepsi-Cola bought Mountain Dew in 1964. From there, it became a national brand. Over time, the soda gained caffeine and a wild image. Today, it’s known for being one of the most caffeinated sodas out there.

What started as a whiskey chaser turned into a bold drink that now welcomes race fans to Indy.

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