Indy 500 Drivers Choice: Milking the Tradition
Drinking milk in Victory Lane is a long-standing Indy 500 tradition. It began in 1936 when driver Louis Meyer drank buttermilk after winning. He liked it on hot days. A Milk Foundation executive saw a photo of that moment and made sure it became a tradition. It has continued ever since, except for a short break from 1947 to 1955.
Today, the American Dairy Association Indiana makes sure the winner gets their milk of choice. Drivers pick ahead of time — whole, 2%, or fat-free. There’s even a secret lactose-free option. Most drivers choose whole milk. This year, 29 of 33 drivers did. Only four chose 2%, and no one picked fat-free.
A special “Milk Person” delivers the chilled bottle in Winner’s Circle. The winner usually takes a few sips, then pours it over their head in celebration.
The 109th Indy 500 takes place Sunday, May 25. The green flag drops at 12:45 p.m. ET. And once again, we’ll see the champion celebrate not with champagne — but with milk. That’s part of what makes the Indy 500 so unique and beloved.
