Why does the Indy 500 winner drink milk? | For The Win Why does the Indy 500 winner drink milk? Why does the Indy 500 winner drink milk? Why does the Indy 500 winner drink milk? By Chris Jenkins May 24, 2015 8:53 am 13k shares By: Chris Jenkins | May 24, 2015 8:53 am Adriane Jaeckle/File photo SPEEDWAY, Ind. — Why does the Indy 500 winner drink milk? According to the Speedway, it all started with legendary driver Louis Meyer, who won Indy in 1928, 1933 and 1936. Decades before the advent of sports nutrition specialists and beverages tailored specifically to athletic activities, Meyer apparently preferred to drink buttermilk to refresh himself on hot weather. (Hey, we don’t judge here. Dude won three times. Whatever works.) At one point, that included a swig in Victory Lane.

The Speedway says an executive with the Milk Foundation saw that moment in a newspaper photo and “vowed to make sure it would be repeated in coming years.” The track says there was no Victory Lane milk from 1947-55, but the tradition was revived in 1956 and continues today. (Significant exception: Emerson Fittipaldi, who made a dairy error by drinking orange juice instead in 1993.) Via WinnersDrinkMilk.com And, racing being racing, it’s a marketing opportunity. On its website, American Dairy Association Indiana highlights the dairy farmers who will deliver the victory lane milk, and even has a list of drivers’ milk preferences. (A near-majority, 15, prefer whole, perhaps surprising given Indycar drivers’ commitment to fitness. But, hey, you just won a race. Splurge a little. Also: no chocolate?) Until he won last year’s race, Ryan Hunter-Reay says he didn’t realize the milk was kept in a cooler. “You always wonder, is it going to be sitting there on a mantle or something like that out in the sun being warmed?,” Hunter-Reay says. “But they have a nice little cooler, and it’s cold.

Definitely the best drink I’ve ever had, under the circumstances.” Hunter-Reay says he was happy to be part of the tradition. “For so many years, I’ve watched guys come out of the car with the wreath around their neck drinking that ceremonious first sip,” he says. “You just can’t wait. The anticipation of it was just unreal. It tasted great. It was ice cold. You want more, for sure.” Indy 500: Not For Faint Of Heart, Nor The Lactose Intolerant News • Local News / May 22, 2015 Indy 500: Not For Faint Of Heart, Nor The Lactose Intolerant Unable to load the audio player. Dario Franchitti hoists the milk in Victory Lane in 2012, which has been offered to every Indy 500 winner since 1956. American Dairy Association of Indiana/IMS In the month of May, Indianapolis Motor Speedway is where motor meets milk. The Indianapolis 500 is not for the faint of heart--nor is it for the lactose intolerant.

That’s because, for nearly 60 consecutive years, milk has been the ceremonial drink for winners of the 500-mile race. It all started with one winner’s beverage request and has since become perhaps the most time-honored ritual of an event known for its annual traditions. Beginnings As legend has it, it’s all thanks to three-time 500 champ Louis Meyer. In 1933 Meyer had just won his second 500 at Indianapolis. According to Speedway Historian Donald Davidson that’s when Meyer asked for a glass of buttermilk. “He said that his mother told him that milk would refresh him on a hot day—and for some reason it was buttermilk,” Davidson says. “He supposedly drank it in 1933 after winning, but there’s nothing to substantiate that photographically.” But when Meyer won his third Indianapolis 500 in 1936, he requested another bottle of milk—this time it was caught on film. “So supposedly that was in the news reels in the theaters within a few days and somebody within the dairy industry said look…that’s great,” Davidson says.

“The Indianapolis 500 winner is drinking milk—kids think that’s a sissy drink and the 500 winner’s drinking it, so we have to make that happen every year.” The drinking of milk occurred intermittently until 1956—the first year the dairy industry offered prize money. Since then, every single Indianapolis 500 winner has taken the sip, with one exception, which we’ll get to in a minute. Milk Becomes a Mainstay A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Sr., Rick Mears—they have all drank the milk four times. Numerous others have taken the gulp more than once, including three-time winner Johnny Rutherford. “Obviously when you’ve run 500 miles, and it’s been hot and you’re sweaty and you’re thirsty, you know, to come in and they hand you that cold bottle of milk, you know, it’s a great tradition,” Rutherford says. Each year a Hoosier dairy farmer representing the American Dairy Association of Indiana hands the milk to the winning driver. This year that’s Alan Wright of All Wright Farms in Muncie—who says the milk won’t leave his sight during the race.

“It is something that we as dairy farmers and the Indy 500 takes very seriously,” Wright says. “So we do not sit it down and leave because there might be another cooler out there that someone picks up by mistake. And we want to make sure the milk stays with us because that’s what the winner wants and that we’re going to provide…winners drink milk.” One's Denial Incurs Wrath of Many But not every winner has chugged the milk without a bit of prodding—the dubious title of “500 Milk Refuser” falls solely on Brazilian driver Emerson Fittipaldi, who, in 1993, took his moment in Victory Lane to promote his own breakfast beverage interests: Fittipaldi: No, I’m not going to have the milk. Reporter: Now there’s a first. Emerson, you’re not going to drink the milk? Fittipaldi: Well, I’m going to drink the orange juice. That’s my produce…and this time I’m going to have orange juice. I produce orange juice. Reporter: Back in São Paulo, Brazil he produces orange juice, so he’s going to go that way… “The crowd just booed,” historian Davidson says.

Davidson says Fittipaldi ended up drinking the milk, but only after the cameras had been turned away. The belated swig didn’t matter—Fittipaldi’s popularity took an immediate hit. “Just in the space of a few seconds, Emerson Fittipaldi went from being one of the most popular drivers at the track to not being one of the most popular drivers,” Davidson says. “He was just roundly booed, and I don’t think his career ever recovered from that.” So, on Sunday, one driver will be offered the sacred sip at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and they’ll probably accept. Because taking the pull is an acknowledgement of purpose and place—that no sip of milk at Indy tastes better than the one in Victory Lane. Why does the Indianapolis 500 winner drink milk? - SBNation.com Why does the Indianapolis 500 winner drink milk? Rec Chris Graythen/Getty Images Imagine participating in a grueling three-hour event that leaves you physically exhausted. You're dehydrated and need some kind of fluids to quench your thirst. Preferably water or a sports drink of some kind. Instead what you're handed is an ice cold bottle of milk.

While that may not sound the most pleasing, for the 33 drivers participating in Sunday's 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, sipping milk afterward would be a gratifying experience. "I had always dreamt of drinking that milk," said Ryan Hunter-Reay, 2014 race winner. "When it actually happens and they hand you the bottle you're like, ‘Wow, this is the moment I've been waiting for all these years.' Then you take that sip. It tasted excellent." When an event has been going on as long as the Indianapolis 500, traditions are naturally going to form. The Greatest Spectacle in Racing is no exception: During pre-race ceremonies a military marching band plays "Taps," someone will sing "Back Home in Indiana Again" and a member of the Hulman family (the owners of the track) gives the command for "Gentlemen, start your engines!" These are just a sampling of the customs that occur on a yearly basis. But among the many traditions associated with the Indianapolis 500, the sipping of milk in Victory Lane holds a special place because of what it signifies.

In a poll recently conducted of the 27 living race winners by the Associated Press , 13 said swigging milk in celebration was their favorite tradition. "It was the best afternoon milk I've ever had," Tony Kanaan, 2013 race winner, told SB Nation. "It never tasted better." It's LIVE: The 2016 Milk Preference Poll! #WinnersDrinkMilk pic.twitter.com/HvTgI7N1zX — Winners Drink Milk! (@INDairy) May 25, 2016 The practice of the Indianapolis 500 winner sipping a bottle of milk began when Louis Meyer won the 1933 race and asked for buttermilk following the nearly five-hour event. That was what Meyer's mother had always told him to drink as a boy growing up when he was thirsty, track historian Donald Davidson told SB Nation. Three years later when Meyer again won the race he repeated his request, this time receiving the buttermilk in a glass bottle. A dairy executive for the Milk Foundation saw footage of Meyer drinking milk and realized the marketing potential.

Henceforth, every winner from 1938 to 1941 sipped milk, as did the 1946 victor. (Indianapolis went dormant during World War II.) But in 1947 every winner began declining to drink milk immediately afterward, instead opting for cold water delivered in a silver cup handed to them by former three-time winner and then-track president Wilbur Shaw. Engraved on the cup was the saying, "Water from Wilbur." Like many things in racing, it took a monetary incentive for drivers to fully embrace the idea of swigging milk as a celebratory gesture. Starting in 1956 the winner was paid an additional $400 if they drank a bottle of milk. Sunday's winner gets a $10,000 bonus from the American Dairy Association. Only once since has a winner snubbed the tradition. When Emerson Fittipaldi won the Indianapolis 500 for a second time in 1993, he elected instead for a bottle of orange juice.

So defiant was Fittipaldi, not only did he push away an initial offering of milk, he then eschewed a second attempt while being interviewed on national television, telling someone off-camera, "No, I'm not having the milk, sir." And what was Fittipaldi's reasoning? Financial, of course. The Brazilian owned orange groves and thought it made better business sense to drink a product he produced rather than an alternative. The decision turned the once-popular driver into a bit of a villain, Davidson said. Fittipaldi received resounding boos during introductions in a race the following week at the Milwaukee Mile. "That just goes to show you how important this tradition is," Davidson said. "He found that out the hard way. It changed his career." Nowadays no driver would even think for a second to pull a stunt similar to Fittipaldi's. To drink milk at Indianapolis is a sign of accomplishment, something one strives for. "My 3-year-old is putting a lot of pressure on me, he wants to pour milk on his head someday," Ed Carpenter said.

"That's my biggest motivation, to not disappoint him." On Sunday, the milk that the Indy 500 winner will drink is kept in this cooler and protected by a security guard. pic.twitter.com/UiP30CT9Xs — Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) May 26, 2016 On Sunday, bottles of two-percent, fat-free and whole (the three options drivers can select) will be laying on a bed of ice inside separate medium-sized portable coolers. To assure the milk becomes ice cold, none of the coolers are opened until it's time to hand the specific bottle to the winner. The three coolers are protected by a security guard stationed inside a suite during the race. "Indianapolis has a lot of traditions, but this one is especially meaningful," Davidson said. "It means a lot to a lot of people." Trending Why does the Indy 500 winner drink milk? Why does the Indy 500 winner drink milk? The Indianapolis 500 milk tradition all started with a legendary driver Post to Facebook Why does the Indy 500 winner drink milk?

The Indianapolis 500 milk tradition all started with a legendary driver Check out this story on Tennessean.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Join the Conversation Why does the Indy 500 winner drink milk? Chris Jenkins , USA Today 12:03 p.m. CT May 24, 2015 Indy Car Series driver Dan Wheldon celebrates with milk after winning the 95th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Photo: Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports) SPEEDWAY, Ind. — Why does the Indy 500 winner drink milk? According to the Speedway, it all started with legendary driver Louis Meyer, who won Indy in 1928, 1933 and 1936. Decades before the advent of sports nutrition specialists and beverages tailored specifically to athletic activities, Meyer apparently preferred to drink buttermilk to refresh himself on hot weather. (Hey, we don't judge here. Dude won three times. Whatever works.) At one point, that included a swig in Victory Lane.

The Speedway says an executive with the Milk Foundation saw that moment in a newspaper photo and "vowed to make sure it would be repeated in coming years." The track says there was no Victory Lane milk from 1947-55, but the tradition was revived in 1956 and continues today. (Significant exception: Emerson Fittipaldi, who made a dairy error by drinking orange juice instead in 1993.) And, racing being racing, it's a marketing opportunity. On its website, American Dairy Association Indiana highlights the dairy farmers who will deliver the victory lane milk, and even has a list of drivers' milk preferences. (A near-majority, 15, prefer whole, perhaps surprising given Indycar drivers' commitment to fitness. But, hey, you just won a race. Splurge a little. Also: no chocolate?) (Photo: File) Until he won last year's race, Ryan Hunter-Reay says he didn't realize the milk was kept in a cooler. "You always wonder, is it going to be sitting there on a mantle or something like that out in the sun being warmed?," Hunter-Reay says. "But they have a nice little cooler, and it's cold.

Definitely the best drink I've ever had, under the circumstances." Hunter-Reay says he was happy to be part of the tradition. "For so many years, I've watched guys come out of the car with the wreath around their neck drinking that ceremonious first sip," he says. "You just can't wait. The anticipation of it was just unreal. It tasted great. It was ice cold. You want more, for sure." Why does the Indianapolis 500 winner drink milk after? Why does the Indianapolis 500 winner drink milk after? Comment Taking a look at why exactly the winner of the Indianapolis 500 drinks milk while on Victory Lane When it comes to the Indianapolis 500, there is so much to love. What’s not exciting about watching cars dwarf 200 miles per hour on their odometer, make pinpoint maneuvers for hours on end, and even strategize to make it through 500 miles of racing against the best drivers in the world? It’s fantastic, but it’s also an event that’s entrenched in tradition.

For the pre-race ceremonies, things like the Indianapolis 500 parade and the singing of “(Back Home Again In) Indiana” are two of the greatest traditions in racing and all of sports. However, the greatest tradition in the Indianapolis 500 is after the race when a winner is crowned, heads to Victory Lane, and proceeds to chug his choice of milk. Given how odd that is, though, that begs the question of why the winner of the race drinks milk of all things. Well it so happens that, back in the 1930s, one of the best drivers at the time by the name of Louis Meyer had a habit of drinking buttermilk whenever he needed to cool off, regardless of where he’s at. So after his win (one of three in his career) at the Indianapolis 500 in 1936, he enjoyed his beverage of choice. With milk executives excited by the mainstream exposure, they looked to capitalize on Meyer’s beverage of choice and tried to work it into every race.

Though it took a hiatus for a few years after 1936, the winner drinking milk has been a tradition for 60 years now with it coming back in 1956. For all your Indy 500 coverage, stay up to date with the FanSided Motor Sports hub. Top Stories Doyel: Absurd Indy 500 television blackout continues Doyel: Absurd Indy 500 television blackout continues Doyel: It's absurd that this is what the Indy 500 lets locals see on TV – nothing Post to Facebook Doyel: Absurd Indy 500 television blackout continues Doyel: It's absurd that this is what the Indy 500 lets locals see on TV – nothing Check out this story on IndyStar.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. 107 To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs Doyel: Absurd Indy 500 television blackout continues Gregg Doyel , gregg.doyel@indystar.com Published 11:14 a.m.

ET May 22, 2015 | Updated 6:08 p.m. ET May 23, 2015 Blackout (Photo: Blackout) The Indianapolis 500 has a new scoreboard, new video boards, great concerts, glamorous campouts called glamping . This place loves you, Indianapolis. Just not enough to let you watch the race on live television. So I guess that means the Indy 500 loves Indianapolis less than it loves Muncie, because they can watch the race live in Muncie. They can watch it in Fort Wayne, too. And Terre Haute. Lafayette. South Bend? Oh, the Indy 500 loves itself some South Bend. Race-watching parties are happening in bars up there. You can watch the Indy 500 on live TV just about anywhere in the world, and everywhere in America. Everywhere but this one spot that we — and the Indy 500 — call home. What you should know about the Indy 500 starting lineup Since 1951, it's been blacked out in the Indianapolis area, which I realize isn't news to most of you.

But you do realize that's preposterous, yes? The blackout is all about business and attendance and butts in the seats, understood, but it's preposterous. Because you're funding this party. Indianapolis Motor Speedway asked the state to authorize $100 million in bonds in 2013, and Gov. Mike Pence approved the deal for IMS without getting a concession that would make so much sense: You can have our help, IMS. But you have to let us watch the race on live TV. A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Buy Photo Helio Castroneves prepares for practice on Carb. Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22nd 2015. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Jack Harvey leads a groups of cars through turn one as he led for most of the Indy Lights Freedom 100 race Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Matt Kryger / The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Jack Harvey celebrates winning the Indy Lights Freedom 100 Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger / The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Helio Castroneves warms up prior to practice as owner Roger Penske watches over him on Carb. Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22 2015. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Tony Kanaan stretches as he prepares to practice on Carb. Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Mario, Marco, and Michael Andretti wait for practice to begin on Carb. Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Scott Dixon prepares to practice on Carb. Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22nd 2015. Dixon was second fastest in practice. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Driver Will Power prepares to practice on Carb. Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Power was quickest in practice.

Kristin Enzor / For The Star Ryan Briscoe sits in his car during practice on Carb. Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speeday. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Owner Jimmy Vasser watches over practice on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22nd, 2015. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Marco Andretti demonstrates the handling of his car to owner and father Michael Andretti on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22nd, 2015. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Justin Wilson (25) of Andretti Autosport car got a new look for the 99th Indianapolis 500 Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger / The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Will Power (1) of Team Penske was fastest in practice for the 99th Indianapolis 500 Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Matt Kryger / The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Justin Wilson (25) of Andretti Autosport car got a new look for the 99th Indianapolis 500 Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger / The Star Buy Photo Juan Pablo Montoya reflects on Carb Day practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22, 2015. Bob Goshert / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Traffic backed up for blocks as IndyCar fans flocked to the 16th Street for Carb Day for the 99th Indianapolis 500 Friday, May 22, 2015, morning at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger / The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Jack Harvey celebrates winning the Indy Lights Freedom 100 Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger / The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Helio Castroneves warms up prior to practice as owner Roger Penske watches over him on Carb.

Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22 2015. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Tony Kanaan stretches as he prepares to practice on Carb. Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Mario, Marco, and Michael Andretti wait for practice to begin on Carb. Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Scott Dixon prepares to practice on Carb. Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22nd 2015. Dixon was second fastest in practice. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Ryan Briscoe at the close of Carb. Day practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22, 2015. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Will Power watches over his team preparing his car for practice on Carb. Day, May 22nd, 2015 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Carlos Munoz stands in front of his car prior to practice on Carb.

Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22nd 2015. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Driver Will Power prepares to practice on Carb. Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Power was quickest in practice. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Ryan Briscoe sits in his car during practice on Carb. Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speeday. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Marco Andretti demonstrates the handling of his car to owner and father Michael Andretti on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22nd, 2015. Kristin Enzor / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Ryan Briscoe and Will Power have an animated discussion during a break in the pit stop competition at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22, 2015. Power posted the quickest speed in Carb Day practice.

Bob Goshert/For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Team owner Chip Ganassi reacts to his his crew from the Charlie Kimball (83) car loosing in the finals of the Pit Stop competition Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Randy Ballinger/For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Team Penske driver Helio Castroneves (3), left, and Chip Ganassi Racing driver Charlie Kimball (83) square off in the finals of the Pit Stop competition Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Team Penske driver Helio Castroneves (3) and his crew celebrate winning the Pit Stop competition Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Leo Kanaan, son of IndyCar driver Tony Kanaan, plays with a toy of his dad's car during the Pit Stop competition Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Ann Miller-Carr/For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Tony Kanaan, right, shares a laugh with Ryan Briscoe and former driver Dario Franchitti, left, during the Pit Stop competition Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ann Miller-Carr/For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Will Power (1) of Team Penske, right, passes Sebastien Bourdais (11) of KVSH Racing, left, during the practice for the 99th Indianapolis 500 Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Team Penske driver Helio Castroneves (3) crew celebrates winning the Pit Stop competition Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo The crew for Team Penske driver Helio Castroneves (3) perform in the finals during the Pit Stop competition Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Matt Kryger/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Team Penske driver Helio Castroneves (3) celebrates with his crew winning the Pit Stop competition Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Team Penske driver Helio Castroneves (3) celebrates with his crew winning the Pit Stop competition Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Team Penske driver Helio Castroneves (3) crew celebrates winning the Pit Stop competition Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Dale Coyne Racing's driver Tristan Vautier (18) rounds Turn 1 during practice for the 99th Indianapolis 500 Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Matt Kryger/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo The crew of Chip Ganassi Racing driver Charlie Kimball (83) during the Pit Stop competition Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Denny Scott/For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee, left, greets Graham Rahal during the Pit Stop competition Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Denny Scott/For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Chip Ganassi Racing driver Charlie Kimball (83), right, is congratulated by Andretti Autosport driver Marco Andretti (27) during the Pit Stop competition Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Denny Scott/For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Carb Day fans gather and drink in the Pagoda Plaza Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo A.J.

Foyt Enterprises driver Jack Hawksworth (41) has his car serviced as fans try to get a photo of him during the Pit Stop competition Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo IndyCar fans got the opportunity to take photos of themselves on the yard of brick during the Pit Stop competition Friday, May 22, 2015, afternoon on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger/The Star Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries: Replay Last Slide Next Slide You know, like they'll be doing in Ohio and Illinois and … well, let's not list the 49 states that can watch the race anywhere within their borders. Or the 213 countries that can watch it. Here's how unseemly this is. The folks at IMS are bragging about the televised reach of this race. Where do you think I got these numbers, about the 213 countries televising the Indy 500 with a reach of 292 million people worldwide? From the IMS website! 250 mph at IMS?

Bring it on, say drivers That's a page they'd probably rather the locals not look at. So do yourself a favor, Indianapolis. Look at it. See how many people around the globe can do what you cannot do Sunday at noon – watch the race you've been helping fund indirectly since 1949, and directly since 2013 when Gov. Pence passed House Enrolled Act 1544. At $5 million a year it's a 20-year deal through 2033. IMS is paying $2 million a year toward the bonds, a pennies-on-the-dollar deal offset by taxes captured on business growth in the Motorsports Investment District around Speedway and by a race-day ticket tax. Now look, IMS has its side to the story, and it has legs. IMS President Doug Boles notes that the $100 million is a loan, not a gift, one that will be repaid whether the district surrounding the speedway generates the tax revenue or not. He also notes that the Indy 500 has brought visitors to the region for a century, and those visitors have spent money that IMS has never seen.

"We haven't asked for a thing in 100 years," Boles was telling me Friday from Carb Day, "and every time we put a head in a hotel bed or someone buys a dinner downtown, that money goes to pay for Lucas Oil Field and other things." Carb Day blog: Helio wins Pit Stop Challenge Point taken. IMS has done so much for us here. Two sides to this story? There are. And some locals are on the IMS side. I spent Thursday on the phone with local Indy 500 fans, and most of them were OK with the race being blacked out. Don't misunderstand, they'd watch it live if they could, but they can't. So they go, or they listen on radio, or in the case of folks like J.P. LaFrance of Noblesville, they drive a long way away to watch it. LaFrance, 34, goes to his childhood home in La Porte, near South Bend, to watch the race with friends. Has every year since 2007. "It's the most absurd thing ever," LaFrance told me. "I go to La Porte and gripe about the blackout." Mark Rhodes of Fishers goes to the Speedway.

Sits in the upper deck in Turn 3, higher than everyone but the spotters. Has every year since 2000. He and his wife, Beth, bring a scanner, a splitter and two headsets. In one ear they hear the radio broadcast, in the other a team's chatter. The scanner was an anniversary present from Beth to Mark. "She's a bigger geek about this than I am," Rhodes, 51, says. '82 crash turned promising young driver into 500 pariah They're such race geeks that, after traveling from California to watch their first Indy 500 in 2000, they moved here in 2001 because they wanted to live in the same town as the Indy 500. They left jobs there. Didn't have jobs here. Came anyway. Loved the race that much. These are the people the Indy 500 asked for a $100 million loan. Rhodes is OK with the blackout, don't get me wrong. He's not painting himself as a victim, and anyway, he goes to the race every year. Spends $400 on tickets. Loves it.

"We get there early and watch the place come alive," he says. "Fans start feeding in. It's just an electric buzz." But if the year comes when Rhodes can't attend in person, he says he'd watch the race on live TV if he could. With the TV on mute, and the radio broadcast filling his den. The Indy 500 on radio is a tradition around here, in part because it's a magical event to hear, to fill the visual blanks with the contours of our imagination — and in part because it's blacked out on TV, and live radio is all we've got. Jared McMurry grew up listening to the Indy 500 on a boat on Raccoon Lake near Rockville. He's 20 now, a student at Gardner-Webb in North Carolina, but McMurry is back in town this weekend, home in Darlington, where he'll find a radio to listen to the race. Here's how Boles, the IMS president, consumed the race as a kid in Danville. His family drove two hours to Jeffersonville and rented a room at the Holiday Inn so they could watch the race live. Look, Boles gets it.

And he says IMS re-evaluates the blackout every year. "The biggest thing fans need to know is, we look at (the blackout) every year," he said. "You can make a strong argument on either side of the fence." Meanwhile, some historical irony. The second TV show in Indianapolis history was the 1949 Indy 500. The first? WFBM (Channel 6) went on the air for the first time with a documentary about the race called "The Crucible of Speed." An hour later, the race aired live. That 1949 race is the only one this city has ever seen, flag to flag, on live TV. A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Starting lineup of the 1911 Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Left to right Henry Ford, IMS founders Arthur Newby, Frank Wheeler, Carl Fisher, James Allison Indianapolis Motor Speedway Ray Harroun's bright yellow Marmon Wasp was the only single-seater in the 1911 Indianapolis 500. All other cars carried a driver and a riding mechanic.

IMS photo Ray Harroun winner of the first Indianapolis 500 on May 30 1911. News photo by Paul Shideler. Fullscreen Buy Photo Roaring around the first turn at speeds of 75 mph, four racers duel for position in the first running of the Indianaolis 500 on May 30, 1911. The cloth covered pits in the lower right hand side keep the hot Indiana sun from the mechanics. Indianapolis Star file photo May 31, 1911 Indianapolis Star front page announcing the winner of the first Indianapolis 500. microfilm Fullscreen After leading the entire 1912 Indianapolis 500 race since the third lap, Ralph DePalma's Mercedes cracked a piston and with only 2 laps remaining, he and his mechanic Rupert Jeffkins had to push the car across the finish line to take twelfth place. Only cars completing the full 200 laps received any prize money. Indianapolis Motor Speedway 1913 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. File photo Georges Boillot in the No. 7 Peugeot battles Jules Goux in his No.

6 Peugeot during the 1914 Indianapolis 500. Star file photo Ralph DePalma waves as he takes the checkered flag in the 1915 Indianapolis 500. Note the flagman on the overhead foot-bridge. Indianapolis Motor Speedway photo The 1915 Indianapolis 500 started four abreast down the main straightaway. Star file photo Fullscreen Buy Photo This is the starting lineup of the 1916 Indianapolis 500. From far left, No. 17 was driven by Dario Resta who would win the race. No. 28 was Gil Andersen; No. 5 Eddie Rickenbacker; and No. 18 Johnny Aitken. Paul Shideler / The News Fullscreen Buy Photo Louis Chevrolet (left) confers with his mechanic on May 30, 1916 during the 1916 Indianapolis 500 race, in which he finished 12th. Indianapolis News photo. Ralph DePalma with riding mechanic during the 1919 Indianapolis 500.

Indianapolis News file photo Howdy Wilcox behind the wheel and riding mechanic Maurice Becker in the #3 Peugeot, winner of the 1919 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. IMS PHOTO A record-breaking crowd filled the grandstands and swarmed around their automobiles parked trackside along the infield facing the main straightaway as the starting field was moved into position for the 1927 Indianapolis 500-Mile-Race. Star file Speedway President Eddie Rickenbacker at the wheel of the Rickenbacker Vertical 8 1925 pace car. The car carried the hat-in-ring insignia Rickenbacker made famous as a World War I flying ace. File photo The Pagoda during the 1929 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. file photo Gaston Chevrolet, 1920 winner of the Indianapolis 500. file photo Pete DePaolo, 1925 winner of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Kirkpatrick photo Drivers line up for pre-race instructions for the 1925 Indianapolis 500. Indianapolis News Crowds for the 1926 found seating wherever they could in the infield.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Frank Lockhart holds up a soft drink after winning the 1926 Indianapolis 500. Lockhart, a dirt-track racer from California filled in for owner/driver Pete Kreise who was ill with the flu. Pacific & Atlantic Photos Louis Meyer pilots the ring free race car around the Indianapolis 500 mile track in 1935 FILE Spectators in the grandstand seemed to be having a good time, getting into the spirit of the Indianapolis 500-Mile-Race (in more ways than one) in 1932. file Fullscreen In the 1930's and for several years, the infield of the Indianapolis Speedway was the place for fans to see and be seen. And the rooftop of your car was a good vantage point. In 1999 there was a change in some of the infield when a road course was added for the inaugural U.S. Grand Prix Formula One race in 2000.

STAR/NEWS Louis Meyer takes the checkered flag in the 1936 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race file Drivers, crews and officials line up for the traditional picture prior to the start of the 1938 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. File photo Fullscreen Marching bands have been a tradition at the Indianapolis 500 since the second race in 1912 when Carl Fisher ordered "tooters and drummers" to add zip to the event. This photo was taken shortly before the 1933 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. File photo Pathe News Inc. records the days events during the 1935 Indianapolis 500. Days later the newsreels would be shown in movie theaters across the country. Star file photo The Packard pace car pulls out of the way of the pack for the start of the 1936 Indianapolis 500. Star file photo Amelia Earhart and Eddie Rickenbacker at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 30, 1935. Earhart served as the first woman referee for the 500-mile race, and was the first woman to receive an official position in the running of the race.

Purdue University Archives Fullscreen Buy Photo Cars go into the first turn as seen from the starter's perch above the track during the 1932 Indianapolis 500. Indianapolis Star Fullscreen Pit scene during the 1931 Indianapolis 500. All eyes were on the No. 8 Cummins powered Diesel Duesenberg driven by Dave Evans. Not only did was it the first diesel ever in the Indianapolis 500, but he drove the entire 500 miles without stopping for fuel and Evans finished 13th place . Kirkpatrick photo Crews battle flames from the fatal crash that killed Flloyd Roberts on lap 107 of the 1939 Indianapolis 500. Star file photo Fullscreen The front row of the 33-car field for the 1939 Indianapolis 500 jumps past the pace car as the green flag drops to start the race. The front row consisted of Rex Mays on the pole, Wilbur Shaw and Mauri Rose. International News Photo Fullscreen Buy Photo Wilbur Shaw receives congratulations after winning the 1939 Indianapolis 500.

The race was marred by tragedy as the 1938 winner Floyd Roberts died in a spectacular crash. Said Shaw, "This is a screwy business, but I'll be back again next year." Indianapolis News file photo Wilbur Shaw in the Gilmore Special. 1937 Kirkpatrick photo Duke Nalon with his Masarati - date unknown possibly 1938 or 1939. file The Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1945 after four years of inactivity with a suspension of the Indianapolis 500 due to World War II. Star file photo STAR FILE PHOTO Mary Fendrich Hulman and her husband Tony Hulman, who were married in 1926, purchased the Speedway for $750,000 in 1945, rescuing the crumbling, weed-infested track and turning it into the premier motorsports showcase in the world. Star photographer Dale Schofner Tony Hulman and Wilbur Shaw in 1946. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Race fans jammed the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1946. Many viewed the race from atop the roof of their cars.

May 30, 1946 File photos George Robson and his wife in victory lane after winning the 1946 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Mechanic Chick Hirashima at right shared in the victory. File photo. Wilbur Shaw, 1940 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race winner. File photo Fullscreen Waving his hand in a victory salute, Bill Holland flashes across the finish line in his Blue Crown Special to rack up a new record for the Indianapolis 500. Signaling the victory with the traditional checkered flag is Bill Vanderwater, assistant chief starter. May 31, 1949 file 1949 Indianapolis 500 winner in victory lane is greeted by Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and former driver Wilbur Shaw (left) and actress Linda Darnell. Star file photo Fullscreen Buy Photo An early morning fire race day in 1941 in the south section of the garage area destroyed race three race cars including George Barringer's qualified race car. Indianapolis Star photo Fullscreen Buy Photo A stunned Mauri Rose sits on the track (right) following his 41st lap collision with the wall.

Paul Russo had crashed his car on the 16th lap. They did not remove crashed cars during the race. Indianapolis Star file photo Buy Photo Fans watch the early part of the 1940 Indianapolis 500. Kelly Petillo is crossing the start-finish line. Indianapolis News file photo A few from the stands in the straightaway near the first turn during the 1946 Indianapolis 500. Star file photo Fullscreen Buy Photo Cliff Bergere qualifies with a speed fast enough to earn him the pole position for the 1946 Indianapolis 500. Indianapolis Star file photo Sam Hanks in the Gordon Schroeder's six-teen-cylinder Sampson sponsored by musical comedian Spike Jones in 1946. Indianapolis Star file photo Fullscreen Buy Photo A mud-splattered Cliff Bergere of Toledo, Ohio smiled and waved to anxious onlookers on May 17, 1947 after his Novi Governor Mobil Special went into a spin on the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during his first qualifying lap for the Indianapolis 500.

Maurice Burnett/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo The pit crew for Mauri Rose flashes their driver the OK sign with five laps to go. The Bill Holland crew waits to give Holland the same message in the 1947 Indianapolis 500. Indianapolis Star file photo Fullscreen Buy Photo Aerial view of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway looking south in 1949. Georgetown Road is to the right and the 16th Street Speedway is at the top left of the photo. H.W. Connaway/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo While leading the race, Duke Nalon was seriously burned when his car broke an axle in the northeast turn and hit the north short chute wall. May 30, 1949 George Tilford/The News The field at the start of the 1959 Indianapolis 500. Indianapolis Star file photo Fullscreen Buy Photo Track officials look over the wreckage of Jerry Unser's car. During practice in early May 1959 Unser lost control coming out of Turn 4. The car spun and hit the wall, sending it end-over-end down the front straightaway and erupting in flames.

Unser died from the burns two weeks later on May 17. William Oates/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Rodger Ward gets the traditional bottle of milk and the victory kiss from actress Erin O'Brien while his wife looks on. May 30, 1959 Frank Fisse/The Star Fullscreen Cars can be seen still afire as smoke boils up after a fatal pileup at the north end of the main stretch May 30, 1964. On Lap 1, Dave MacDonald skidded into the northwest inside retaining wall ans exploded. Eddie Sachs hit MacDonald and exploded. Sachs was killed and MacDonald died of injuries. Herman Halcomb Fullscreen Buy Photo Parnelli Jones jumps from his race car after it caught fire during a pit stop at the Indianapolis 500 race in 1964. Frank Fisse/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Bobby Unser is at the wheel of the No. 6 STP Oil Treatment Special. Owner Andy Granitelli converses with Unser following the a lap during practice May 8, 1965 Frank Fisse/The Star A.J.

Foyt acknowledges the crowd after winning his fourth Indianapolis 500 in 1977 Jerry Clark/The Star On lap 126 of the 1975 Indianapolis 500, Tom Sneva made contact with Eldon Rasmussen's car in Turn 2. Sneva flipped over Rasmussen, hit the outside wall and burst into flames. Sneva escaped with only minor burns. I ndianapolis Star file photo Fullscreen Buy Photo Janet Guthrie is all smiles after qualifying run. First woman ever in the 500-mile race starting field. May 1977 Greg Griffo/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Tom Binford and Pat Vidan talk shop May 14, 1979. Binford was the chief steward of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 1974-1995. Vidan was the official starter from 1962 until 1979. Tim Halcomb/The News The crew services Rick Mears car during the 1984 Indianapolis 500. file Mario Andretti sits in his car during qualifications at the Speedway in May 1987.

Charlie Nye 1985 Indianapolis 500, Danny Sullivan, who passed leader Mario Andretti, spins and then wins the 500 mile race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. KEITH PRITHARD A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti chat in the pits during qualifications for the 1988 Indianapolis 500. Barry Smith Al Unser Sr. 1987 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race winner. Jeff Atteberry photo Jim Nabors sings "Back Home Again" with the Purdue Marching Band during the opening ceremonies of the 1984 Indianapolis 500. Bud Berry photo Rick Mears, 1988 winner of the Indianapolis 500 signals his third win. File photo James Garner and Paul Newman at the 1985 Indianapolis 500 file Gordon Johncock (left) finishes ahead of Rick Mears by 16/100ths of a second to win the 1982 Indianapolis 500. Star file photo Fullscreen Buy Photo Bobby Unser shouts for joy in Victory Lane with the wreath of orchids around his shoulders and the Borg-Warner trophy behind him.

May 24, 1981 Vern Atkins/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Michael Andretti and his father Mario have a discussion during a break during practice in late April 1984. Rich Miller/The News Emerson Fittipaldi won the 1993 Indianapolis 500. Rich Miller/The Star Race driver Tony Stewart of Indianapolis, waits for his car in the pit area of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Thursday, May 27, 1999, during the final practice session prior to Sunday's 83rd Indy 500. TOM STRICKLAND Associated Press Fullscreen The car driven by Billy Boat bounces off wall after he lost control of his car in the first turn at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during practice for the 83rd running the of Indy 500 Sunday, May 16, 1999. Boat was not injuried. MARTIN SEPPALA Associated Press Fullscreen Buy Photo May 30, 1999 -- Mark Dismore, left, and Greg Ray collide in the pits during the second half of the Indy 500 Sunday afternoon at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The collision knocked Ray, who was leading at the time, of the race. MIKE FENDER 1999 Indy 500 front row includes pole-sitter Arie Luyendyk, right, of Scottsdale, Ariz., Greg Ray, center, of Plano, Texas, and Billy Boat of Phoenix. x MICHAEL CONROY Associated Press Fullscreen Buy Photo The 1992 Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway became famous for the closest finish ever. Al Unser Jr.'s margin of victory over Scott Goodyear was 43 thousandths of a second. Mike Fender 5.15.98 SPT INDY PRACTICE Two time Indy 500 winner Al Unser Jr., left, talks with his father and four time winner Al Unser Sr., during Indianapolis 500 practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Friday, May 15, 1998. PAUL SANCYA Fullscreen Danny Ongais of Santa Ana, Calif.

slams into the third turn wall at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during practice for the 82nd running of the Indianapolis 500 Monday, May 11, 1998. Ongais was taken to Methodist Hospital for observation. (AP Photo/Tom Walsh) TOM WALSH Associated Press Track announcer Tom Carnegie calls qualifications from the pit at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Saturday, May 16, 1998. SETH ROSSMAN Associated Press Buddy Lazier 1996 Indianapolis 500 winner. D. Todd Moore photo The start of the 81st running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race Monday May 26, 1997. Steven M. Noreyko Steve Kinser walks down pit lane during the rain delay during the 81st running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race May 26, 1997.

Paul Sancya Fullscreen Arie Luyendyk, Winner of the 1997 Indy 500 pops the cork on a bottle of champagne in Victory Circle following the 81st running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race Tuesday May 27, 1997. Original image is in the RACE3DONE folder in Scans 7 Rami Maalouf Fullscreen Buy Photo One of the most devastating crashes in Indianapolis 500 history. With less than 10 seconds elapsed in the race, Stan Fox's car is cut in half as it is hit by Eddie Cheever's car during the 1995 Indianapolis 500. Fox would survive this crash, but would be killed in an auto accident in New Zealand in 2000. John Chilton/ Indianapolis Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Willy T. Ribbs leaves the pits as photographers record his every move, May 19, 1991. Ribbs made Speedway history, this day, by becoming the first black driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. Ribbs is leaving the pits at the beginning of his historic qualification run.

Jeff Atteberry/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Winner Gil de Ferran gives a wink and a thumbs up to his family as he celebrates in victory lane in 2003. Steve Healey Indianapolis Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Helio Castroneves climbs the fence by the Indy 500 finish line after he won the 85th running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2001. RUSSO, THOMAS J. INDIANAPOLIS STAR 5/29/2005 Race winner Dan Wheldon celebrates by pouring milk over his head after the race. Adriane Jaeckle Indianapolis Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Soldiers march up pit lane prior to the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 27, 2007, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jeri Reichanadter Indianapolis Star Buy Photo Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti celebrates with his milk after winning the race Sunday, May 27, 2007.

Matt Kryger Indianapolis Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Driver Alex Lloyd slides down the pits after slamming into the pit wall during the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 race Sunday May 25, 2008. Sam Riche Indianapolis Star Fullscreen Buy Photo The Pagoda sits high above the track during the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 25, 2008. Heather Charles The Indianapolis Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Race fans get a close up look at the gridded race cars lined up on the main straightaway before the start of the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 25, 2008. Charlie Nye Indianapolis Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Car owner and Late Night talk show host David Letterman in the pits during the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500, May 25, 2008.

Robert Scheer Indianapolis Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Mari Hulman George gives the command to start the engines at the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday, May 25, 2008. Danese Kenon Indianapolis Star Indianapolis 500 driver Ryan Hunter skids into the pits during the 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Sunday, May 24, 2009 before the race. Heather Charles Fullscreen Buy Photo Pole sitter Helio Castroneves is in the lead on the actual start of the 2009 Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24, 2009, after only the second time a start has been waved off. (This is not the first start). Sunday's race, the 93rd running at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, started under hazy skies at 1:12 p.m. (Charlie Nye / The Star).

Charlie Nye Fullscreen Buy Photo The Purdue University Marching Band performs before the start of the Indianapolis 500 race Sunday, May 24, 2009. (Mike Fender / The Star) Mike Fender Fullscreen Buy Photo Dario Franchitti, No. 10, right, pulls out of his pit ahead of teammate Scott Dixon, No. 9, left, to take the lead from him on a pit stop on Lap 86 at the 2009 Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24, 2006, the 93rd running at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Charlie Nye / The Star). Charlie Nye Fullscreen Buy Photo Driver Helio Castroneves (3) protects his lead with a quick pit stop and gets in front of Ryan Briscoe (6) late in the race. Indianapolis 500, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, May 24, 2009. (MATT DIAL / The Indianapolis Star) Matt Dial Fullscreen Buy Photo Driver Danica Patrick leads drivers through turn one at around lap 142.

Indianapolis 500, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, May 24, 2009. Matt Dial Fullscreen 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500 mile race winner Penske Racing driver Helio Castroneves poses with the Borg-Warner Trophy during post win photo session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Monday, May 25, 2009. Castroneves is a three time winner of the race. (Heather Charles/The Star) Heather Charles Fullscreen Buy Photo Mike Conway's car goes airborne and crashes into a wall in the last lap of the Indianapolis 500 at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday May 30, 2010. Bob Ruddick / for the Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Casey Mears get some last minute instructions from Sarah Fisher as he tries to make the field for the Indianapolis 500 in a Walker racing back up car. Mears failed to make the race.

Staff Photo Greg Griffo GREG GRIFFO, INDIANAPOLIS STAR Fullscreen Buy Photo Ashley Judd, and her race-winning husband Dario Franchitti at the traditional yard of bricks kiss, Sunday, May 30, 2010, at the 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 mile race, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Robert Scheer/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Actor Jack Nicholson waves the green flag to start The 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 30, 2010. Mike Fender The Indianapolis Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Danica Patrick,left, passes Helio Castroneves as he sits in his pit box during the 95th running of the Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 29, 2011, morning at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger / The Star Bob Ruddick / for the Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Sarah Fisher reacts as she comes out of the race due to car trouble during the 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 Sunday afternoon at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

(Matt Kryger / The Indianapolis Star) Matt Kryger / The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Dan Wheldon raises his arm to celebrate a surprising win as he approaches the finish line at the 95th running of the Indianapolis 500 race Sunday, May 29 2011. Mike Fender / The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Andretti Autosports James Hinchcliffe,#27, front, and Ryan Hunt-Reay lead the group of driver out of the pits during Carb Day Friday, May 25, 2012, afternoon at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Matt Kryger / The Star Matt Kryger, Indianapolis Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Michael Andretti and Danica Patrick watch the action on pit lane, Friday May 8, 2009 at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Greg Griffo/The Star Greg Griffo Fullscreen Buy Photo Race fans wore their white makeshift glasses on the parade lap in honor of the late Dan Wheldon during the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 27, 2012. (Matt Detrich / The Star) Matt Detrich/The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Driver J.R.

Hildebrand backs his way into the wall in turn one just after the start of the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday, May 26 2013. John Chilton / for the Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Race winner Dario Franchitti holds up three fingers in Victory Lane after winning the Indy 500. The 96th Indianapolis 500 race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday, May 27, 2012. (Mike Fender / The Star) Mike Fender Fullscreen Buy Photo Team members run off the track after starting the engines for the field of 33 race cars for the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26, 2013. Charlie Nye / The Star Charlie Nye Charlie Nye / The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Marco Andretti pulls out of pit lane next to Ed Carpenter during a mid race pit Sunday, May 26, 2013.

Sam Riche / For The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo Indy 500 winner Tony Kanaan pours milk over his head in victory circle after winning the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 26, 2013. Kelly Wilkinson / The Star Fullscreen Buy Photo The cars of Ed Carpenter, left, and James Hinchcliffe tangle in Turn One on the second green flag restart late in the race at the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 25, 2014. Charlie Nye/The Star Why does Indy 500 winner drink milk? Why does Indy 500 winner drink milk? Duration: 01:45 You probably wouldn't choose to guzzle dairy right after hopping out of a race car. So why does every Indy 500 winner do it? READ MORE Indianapolis Motor Speedway In what year did the first Indianapolis 500 take place? 1911. Ray Harroun won in the Marmon "Wasp." Why was the distance of 500 miles selected?

Having decided to dispense with multi-race programs and concentrate on one major race for 1911, Speedway leader Carl Fisher and his partners envisioned an event that would appeal to the public by lasting approximately seven hours between mid-morning and late afternoon. A distance of 500 miles was settled upon, and Ray Harroun won the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 in six hours, 42 minutes and eight seconds. What is the distance of one lap around the oval? 2.5 miles. The track has four distinct turns and straightaways, a layout unchanged since the facility opened in 1909. The front and back straightaways are 5/8th of a mile each, with the "short chute" straightaways between Turns 1 and 2 and Turns 3 and 4 at 1/8th of a mile each. Each of the four turns is 1/4th of a mile long. What is the degree of banking in the turns? Each of the four turns on the oval is banked at exactly 9 degrees, 12 minutes, the same dimensions as when the track opened in 1909.

Which driver has won the Indianapolis 500 the most times? Three drivers have won the Indianapolis 500 four times each: A.J. Foyt (1961, 1964, 1967, 1977) Al Unser (1970, 1971, 1978, 1987) Rick Mears (1979, 1984, 1988, 1991) Who is the youngest winner of the Indianapolis 500? Troy Ruttman was 22 years, 80 days old when he won the 36th Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1952. Q. Who is the oldest winner of the Indianapolis 500? A. Al Unser was 47 years, 360 days old when he won the 71st Indianapolis 500 on May 24, 1987. What is the name of the trophy presented to the winner of the race each year?

The Borg-Warner Trophy, which was commissioned in 1935 by the Borg-Warner Automotive Company. In 1936, Indianapolis 500 winner Louis Meyer was the first driver to receive the trophy. Why does the winner of the Indianapolis 500 drink milk in Victory Lane? Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Louis Meyer regularly drank buttermilk to refresh himself on a hot day and happened to drink some in Victory Lane as a matter of habit after winning the 1936 race. An executive with what was then the Milk Foundation was so elated when he saw the moment captured in a photograph in the sports section of his newspaper the following morning that he vowed to make sure it would be repeated in coming years. There was a period between 1947-55 when milk was apparently no longer offered, but the practice was revived in 1956 and has been a tradition ever since. Have women competed in the Indianapolis 500? Nine women have raced in the Indianapolis 500: Janet Guthrie (1977-79) Lyn St.

James (1992-97, 2000) Sarah Fisher (2000-04, 2007-10) Helio Castroneves (2001) Have there always been 33 cars in the starting field of the Indianapolis 500? No. After 40 cars started in the inaugural race in 1911, the Contest Board of the American Automobile Association (AAA), the sanctioning body at the time, mandated a formula for limiting the size of a starting field according to the size of the track. It was determined that the safe distance between each car spread equally around a course would be 400 feet, thereby limiting the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway to 33 cars. Speedway President Carl Fisher, however, placed a limit of only 30 cars for the "500" between 1912 and 1914 and did not adopt AAA's 33 maximum until 1915.

Although there had been numerous occasions between 1912 and 1928 when the field was not filled, the allowed number was increased during the Depression years to 40 cars between 1930 and 1932 (only 38 made it in 1930) and further to 42 in 1933. The maximum has been at 33 ever since 1934, although extenuating circumstances expanded the field to 35 starters in 1979 and 1997. What is the fastest official lap ever turned during the month of May? 237.498 mph by Arie Luyendyk during qualifying May 12, 1996. Luyendyk turned a lap of 239.260 during practice May 10, 1996. It was the fastest unofficial lap ever at the Speedway, as practice laps are not official. Has any driver ever won the Indianapolis 500 three times in a row or more? No.

Five drivers have won the race two years in a row: Wilbur Shaw (1939-40) Al Unser (1970-71) Helio Castroneves (2001-02). Who was the first driver and team to earn $1 million in one year for winning the Indianapolis 500? Emerson Fittipaldi and Patrick Racing, whose winner's share was $1,001,604 in 1989. Has any driver raced in the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis during their career? Yes, Juan Pablo Montoya and Jacques Villeneuve. Montoya won the 2000 Indianapolis 500 in his only start in that event, drove in the United States Grand Prix from 2001-06 and raced in the Brickyard 400 in 2007-12.

Villeneuve raced in the Indianapolis 500 in 1994-95, winning in 1995, drove in the United States Grand Prix from 2000-03 and 2006, and raced in the Brickyard 400 in 2010. Fourteen drivers have raced in the Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400: John Andretti, Geoff Brabham, A.J. Foyt, Larry Foyt, Robby Gordon, Sam Hornish Jr., Jason Leffler, Montoya, Max Papis, Scott Pruett, Tony Stewart, Danny Sullivan, Jacques Villeneuve and J.J. Yeley. Tomas Enge, Justin Wilson, Takuma Sato and Jean Alesi each have raced in the Indianapolis 500 and the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis. Scott Speed and Jacques Villeneuve have raced in the Brickyard 400 and the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis. Who created the term “The Greatest Spectacle In Racing?” Alice Greene coined the phrase in 1955. Camping Options Available Now!

Fun Fact #42 The 3.5-liter, 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol-powered engine of a Verizon IndyCar Series car produces more than 650 horsepower, nearly 4 times that of the average street car. Why does the Indy 500 winner drink milk to celebrate? | AL.com Why does the Indy 500 winner drink milk to celebrate? Helio Castroneves Helio Castroneves holds up a bottle of milk after winning his first Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (The Associated Press) One of the most iconic images in the sporting world is the one of the Indianapolis 500-winning race car driver drinking from a bottle of milk in celebration of his victory. At this year's 100th running of the world-famous IndyCar race, the milk-drinking tradition will happen again. But just where did the tradition come from? It started when Louis Meyer cooled off with a glass of buttermilk after he won the Indy 500 in 1936 (from a childhood tradition handed down from his grandmother).

Apparently a dairy executive saw a picture of Meyer drinking the milk and decided to turn it into a marketing opportunity. Starting the next year, the Indy 500 winner was handed a bottle of milk to drink from after his victory. Three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves has said that the milk tradition is special. "After 500 miles, you're really happy, you're celebrating, and you're kind of thirsty. That milk drinks awesome," he has said. "It tastes just like champagne." But what if decide to decline the milk? Well, maybe you just shouldn't. After Emerson Fittipaldi drank orange juice instead in 1993, fans booed him at the track and he became a bit of a "villain" in racing circles. For this Sunday's race, fans will get to join in the milk tradition; the Indy 500 is giving out 100,000 bottles for fans to drink alongside the race winner. Regional Scoreboard © 2013 STATS LLC. All rights reserved. Active Discussions

Question: Which beverage is consumed by the winner of the Indy 500?
Answer: Milk