Indy 500 Winners: What is the Milk Tradition? – NBC Sports Chicago

The Indianapolis 500 is known for its rich traditions, and one of the most iconic is the milk ceremony that takes place in victory lane. This tradition dates back to 1936 when driver Louis Meyer requested buttermilk after winning the race for the third time. Since then, the winner of the Indy 500 has been awarded a bottle of milk to celebrate their victory.

This year, fourth-generation dairy farmer Alex Neuenschwander will serve as the “Veteran Milk Presenter,” handing the bottle of milk to the winning driver. Neuenschwander believes that the milk ceremony is the most iconic of all Indy 500 traditions, making it a unique and special moment for both the driver and the dairy farming community.

The process of choosing the Milk Presenter is a prestigious honor, with two Indiana farmers selected each year to fulfill this role. Neuenschwander, who served as the rookie last year, is excited to take on the main responsibility of presenting the milk to the winning driver this year.

Drivers also have the opportunity to choose their preferred type of milk – whole, 2%, or skim – before the race. While most drivers opt for whole milk, accommodations are made for lactose-intolerant winners with lactose-free milk. In the rare instance that a driver chooses a different beverage, like Emerson Fittipaldi did in 1993 with orange juice, they are quickly encouraged to switch to the traditional milk.

The 2024 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 26, at 12:45 p.m. ET, promising another exciting race filled with tradition and celebration in victory lane.