American Dairy Association Indiana renews multiyear partnership with Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis 500’s milk-drinking custom began in 1936 with Louis Meyer’s third victory in the race. Meyer, who regularly drank buttermilk, asked for a bottle after winning. According to the account of the tradition, a dairy-industry executive watched newsreel coverage of that celebration and subsequently requested that milk be available for every Indianapolis 500 winner.
Before the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, each of the 33 entrants gives ADAI a preferred milk choice. The options are whole, skim and 2% reduced-fat milk; buttermilk is no longer among them. Whole milk attracts the most selections. Some drivers nevertheless ask for buttermilk as a tribute to Meyer and his original request.
Two dairy farmers from Indiana are chosen each May to present the milk. Their role is to bring the bottle to the winning driver during the celebration following the 500-mile race. J. Douglas Boles, president of INDYCAR and IMS, described the bottle as a symbol of victory and a cherished speedway tradition. He said the milk that began with Meyer’s unexpected request had become something the winner expects to receive each year.
ADAI chief executive Jenni Browning said Indiana’s dairy-farming families took considerable pride in delivering milk to the winner. She described the presentation as a celebration of the effort, commitment and enthusiasm shared by racing drivers and farmers. Browning also expressed appreciation for the organisation’s longstanding relationship with IMS and said ADAI was proud to continue the custom through that partnership.
The renewed relationship also includes ADAI’s continuing backing for the Fastest Rookie Luncheon, an annual event recognising drivers who qualify as rookies for the Indianapolis 500. ADAI additionally sponsors the race’s annual Rookie of the Year trophy. That award received a new design last year, incorporating the Marmon “Wasp”. Ray Harroun drove that car to victory in 1911, when the Indianapolis 500 was first held.
ADAI operates as a non-profit organisation, with funding provided by Indiana dairy-farming families, whom it also serves. Its activities cover promotion, communications and education about nutrition. Alongside the farmers’ participation in the winner’s celebration, its involvement at Indianapolis includes the rookie luncheon and trophy sponsorship.
The 111th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 30. Tickets are available through the speedway’s website and its ticket office.
