The Fascinating Tradition of Drinking Milk After Winning the Indianapolis 500

The spotlight will shine on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the 109th Indianapolis 500 unfolds. This prestigious race is not only known for its high speeds and thrilling moments but also for a unique tradition: the winner will celebrate with an ice-cold bottle of milk in the victory circle.

The Origin of a Beloved Tradition

Many may wonder how this custom of drinking milk began. The tradition traces back to 1936 when Louis Meyer, celebrated for winning his third Indy 500, was seen clutching a bottle of buttermilk in one hand while perched on his car.

A Refreshing Drink on a Hot Day

The act of celebrating with milk was unexpected yet spontaneous. Meyer later recounted that it was a particularly hot day and the only thought in his mind was to find something refreshing. He stated, “All I could think of was some nice, cold buttermilk.” This nostalgia stemmed from his childhood in Yonkers, New York, where his mother often suggested buttermilk as a way to cool off.

How a Candid Moment Became Legendary

The pivotal moment was captured by a cameraman’s lens, embedding the image of Meyer enjoying buttermilk into the race’s lore. Following this, an executive from the dairy industry proposed that all subsequent Indy 500 winners should receive milk. The image of Meyer drinking buttermilk became iconic and solidified the connection between the race and this creamy refreshment.

Milk’s Role in Indy 500 History

From 1938 until 1941, the tradition of drinking milk continued with each winner receiving a bottle to celebrate their victory. However, this practice experienced a hiatus due to World War II, with the tradition resuming in 1946. Interestingly, not all winners celebrated with milk during this timeframe.

Changes in Leadership Impact Tradition

During his tenure as president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Wilbur Shaw, who triumphed in the 1937, 1939, and 1940 races, decided to change things up. From 1947 until 1954, winners received cold water served in a silver chalice instead of milk. Unfortunately, this shift did not remain long-lasting as Shaw’s tragic death in a plane crash in 1954 paved the way for the return of milk in 1956.

Challenging Times and the Welcome Return of Milk

It is worth noting that when milk made its comeback, it was initially offered as an accessory to the winner’s prize. Participants were incentivized to drink milk with a reward of $400, which added an interesting twist to the ceremony. The tradition has since endured, with a remarkable 69 consecutive winners savoring milk and a total of 76 winners enjoying the iconic drink since the tradition began.

The 2023 Indy 500 Broadcast Details

As anticipation builds for this year’s race, fans can look forward to witnessing this celebrated moment live. The Indy 500 will be broadcasted on May 25, beginning at 10 a.m. ET on FOX. Additionally, viewers will have the opportunity to stream the event live via the FOX Sports app and the corresponding website.

The Legacy of Milk at the Indianapolis 500

The ritual of drinking milk in the victory circle has become an integral component of the Indianapolis 500, symbolizing not only victory but also a connection to racing history and tradition. This vibrant custom has allowed generations of fans to resonate with the sport and its exhilarating moments.

As the engines roar to life at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, spectators will not only cheer for their favorite driver but also look forward to seeing who will raise that iconic bottle of milk high in celebration.

As May 25 approaches, fans across the globe are eager to witness yet another chapter in Indianapolis 500 history, where the winner’s joy will once again reflect beyond the finish line, forever intertwined with the refreshing legacy of milk.