The winner of the Indy 500 sips milk in victory lane, which is one of the world’s greatest sporting tradition, but why is that
In 1993, who was the first to break the tradition? You’ve just won the Indianapolis 500 and cemented your place in racing history. In victory lane, instead of champagne, you are presented with a glass of milk.
Why Does The Indy 500 Winner Drink Milk In Victory Lane As-Is Tradition?
The fact that the victor of the Indianapolis 500 consumes milk is one of the most well-known aspects of the race. Why is this the case, though? And why do the victors of the Indianapolis 500 drink milk?
Why Do Indianapolis 500 Winners Drink Milk?
Some drivers chose to drink the milk rather than drench themselves in it, continuing a practice that dates back to the 1930s.
After his third victory in the big race on a particularly hot day, 1936 champion Louis Meyer went for a cool glass of milk.
It wasn’t until the 1950s that the American Dairy Industry provided a prize to the winner if he drank milk in victory lane – and thus the custom began.
Tradition:
Emerson Fittipaldi won his second Indianapolis 500 in 1993. But he made a stir by refusing to swallow the milk that the winner was expected to consume.
He drank orange juice instead of milk because he wanted to promote his orange juice company.
Even after 29 years, some supporters still hold grudges against Fittipaldi for refusing to drink the milk.
Drivers may choose what kind of milk they want, with whole milk. And cold is the most popular option in the 2022 field.
With four victories apiece, Hélio Castroneves, A. J. Foyt, Rick Mears, and Al Unser hold the record for the most Indianapolis 500 triumphs. Six drivers have won three races in the event: Dario Franchitti, Meyer, Mauri Rose, Johnny Rutherford, Wilbur Shaw, and Bobby Unser.
The Indianapolis 500 is an annual car race held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) in Speedway, Indiana, United States, an enclave suburb of Indianapolis. The event is normally held around Memorial Day weekend, which is usually the final weekend in May.