I live in the greater Indianapolis area. And this time of the year, that means only one thing – everyone is racing. Seriously, we joke that it’s a good idea to stay off I-465 because at some point during month of May everyone begins to channel their inner Mario Andretti and careens around every corner. This week on Doing Indy, I admitted even I occasionally fall prey to wanting to feel the need for speed.
As a lifelong Hoosier, I am absolutely enchanted with the traditions of the Indianapolis 500. From the 500 Festival Princesses to the Mini Marathon, to the Checkered Flags and the iconic Pagoda, so much symbolism and fanfare is tired up in The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Even those who aren’t die hard fans have to be cold in heart not to tear up when the winner of the race takes his {or maybe someday her} Victory Lap followed by the traditional sip drink splash gulp of milk.
But did you ever wonder why the Winners of the Indianapolis 500 Drink Milk? Or when it began? Or who brings the milk to the winner? I’m so glad you asked!
As an Ambassador for Indiana Dairy, this May I’m bringing you some of my favorite facts about perhaps the most famed symbol of the Indianapolis 500:
- The tradition dates all the way back to 1933 after legendary racer Louis Meyer asks for a glass of buttermilk after winning the race.
- Sports Illustrated has dubbed the Drink of Milk at the Indianapolis 500 the “Sports World’s Coolest Prize.” Not medals, now cash purses, not trophies . . . MILK. Seriously, how cool is that?!
- Drivers have a choice between whole, 2 percent and skim milk to refresh them after the grueling race. What would you choose?
- This was totally new to me: Every year one dairy farmer serves as the milkman, who hands the milk to the winning driver in Victory Lane, and another serves as the rookie milkman—in practice to be the milkman next year!
And here is this year’s Milkman. Is he not the cutest?! I die.
His name is Duane Hill and you can read all about his story on the Winners Drink Milk Blog.
Luckily your milk doesn’t have to travel 500 miles to make it to your door. In fact, did you know that gallons and half gallons of milk at your grocery store travel an average distance of 100 miles from farm to grocery store. Plus dairy doesn’t just belong in Victory Lane—add dairy to a variety of recipes for a creamier flavor.
What’s your favorite sports symbol? Or which milk would you choose?
This post was sponsored by Indiana Dairy. That means I was compensated for this post. For more details, you can read my Disclosure Policy. You get to read about agriculture in Indiana {AND hear about a great tradition}, I get a few dollars in the Royal Emergency fund. All is well and royally swell. This post was not edited or reviewed by anyone else as you can tell by my grammar and crazy random thoughts. I always give you my honest opinions in any Royal Review or Give Away post, that’s a Royal Guarantee!
I had no idea about the code on your milk that can tell you where it came from until I asked Indiana Dairy – so cool!
It’s like you’re in on a secret code! You’ll have to come down south to tour Kelsay Farms with me sometime. It’s very close to the Queendom. I learned SO much on Princess Youngest’s field trip there.