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.” Why ‘Drinking of the Milk’ became an Indy 500 tradition | WISH-TV Why ‘Drinking of the Milk’ became an Indy 500 tradition May 27, 2016, 1:10 pm Updated: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) For years, the winner of the Indy 500 has been seen drinking milk. It's a unintentional tradition. (Provided Photo/IMS) SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) – After driving 200 laps around the famed 2.5 mile oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at least one driver, the first place finisher, reaches for a bottle of milk. It’s been a tradition at the Racing Capital of the World for many years.

Donald Davidson, historian for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, said the tradition started in the mid-1930s with three-time Indy 500 winner Louis Myer. Davidson said, “In ’36 when [Louis Meyer] won his third race he was handed the bottle that he was going to drink anyway and so it was recorded on film and apparently an executive in the milk industry said, ‘Hey that’s great!’.” Everyone who watched Meyer thought milk filled the bottle he held in his hand. It wasn’t. It turned out to be buttermilk. Davidson said Meyer preferred to drink buttermilk to refresh himself. The track says there was no Victory Lane milk from 1947-55, but the tradition was revived in 1956 and continues today. Why ‘Drinking of the Milk’ became an Indy 500 tradition View as list View as gallery Open Gallery Juan Pablo Montoya of Colombia drinks from a bottle of milk while standing near the Borg-Warner trophy after his win in the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 28, 2000, in Indianapolis.

(AP Photo/Al Behrman) Rodger Ward gets a kiss from his wife, holding the family dog, in the victory lane at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 30, 1959. Ward set a new record in the Indy 500 with an average speed of 135.857 miles per hour in his Leader Card 500 Roadster. Ward holds a bottle of milk to drink, a tradition for Indy winners since 1933. (AP Photo) Helio Castroneves raises a bottle of milk while signaling his second consecutive win in the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26, 2002, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Gil de Ferran, of Brazil, drinks from a bottle of milk after his victory in the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 25, 2003, in Indianapolis. De Ferran defeated teammate and two-time defending champion Helio Castroneves.

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Al Unser holds up the traditional bottle of milk in celebration on Sunday, May 29, 1978 in Indianapolis win in the 62nd Indianapolis 500-mile race. Unser won the race for the third time, on the eve of his birthday. (AP Photo) Canadian Jacques Villeneuve takes a swig of milk in Victory Lane after winning the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 28, 1995 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Al Behrman) Dan Wheldon, of Great Britain, drinks the traditional bottle of milk after winning the 89th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 29, 2005, in Indianapolis. Michael Andretti, an owner of the team, is at lower right. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) FILE = In this May 26, 1991 file phto, Rick Mears celebrates with the traditional bottle of milk after winning the 75th running of the Indy 500 on May 26, 1991.

(AP Photo/Mark Duncan, File) Sam Hornish Jr. lifts the bottle of milk as he stands in his car in Victory Circle following his victory in the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2006, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Seth Rossman) Dario Franchitti, of Scotland, takes a swig of milk after his victory in the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Strattman) Scott Dixon, of New Zealand, douses himself with milk after winning the Indianapolis 500 auto race Sunday, May 25, 2008, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Helio Castroneves, of Brazil, celebrates with the traditional bottle of milk after winning the 93rd Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 24, 2009.

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Buddy Lazier appears to hold back tears as he celebrates in Victory Lane at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday, May 26, 1996 holding the traditional bottle of milk, after winning the Indianapolis 500. Lazier's fiancee, Kara Flinn is at right. (AP Photo/Tom Strattman) Arie Luyendyk drinks the traditional milk after winning the Indy 500 for the second time in his career at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Tuesday, May 27, 1997. (AP Photo/Tom Strattman) Indianapolis 500 winner Eddie Cheever hoists the traditional bottle of milk after winning the 82nd running of the race, Sunday, May 24, 1998, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Dario Franchitti, of Scotland, celebrates with the traditional bottle of milk after winning the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 30, 2010.

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy) IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, of England, douses himself with milk after winning the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Tony Kanaan, of Brazil, celebrates by drinking the winners milk after winning the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Why ‘Drinking of the Milk’ became an Indy 500 tradition x Why ‘Drinking of the Milk’ became an Indy 500 tradition | WWLP.com Why ‘Drinking of the Milk’ became an Indy 500 tradition It’s been a tradition at the Racing Capital of the World for many years Evan Johnson Published: May 27, 2016, 7:00 pm Updated: Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) SPEEDWAY, Ind.

(WISH) – After driving 200 laps around the famed 2.5 mile oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at least one driver, the first place finisher, reaches for a bottle of milk. It’s been a tradition at the Racing Capital of the World for many years. Donald Davidson, historian for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, said the tradition started in the mid-1930s with three-time Indy 500 winner Louis Myer. Davidson said, “In ’36 when [Louis Meyer] won his third race he was handed the bottle that he was going to drink anyway and so it was recorded on film and apparently an executive in the milk industry said, ‘Hey that’s great!’.” Everyone who watched Meyer thought milk filled the bottle he held in his hand. It wasn’t. It turned out to be buttermilk. Davidson said Meyer preferred to drink buttermilk to refresh himself. The track says there was no Victory Lane milk from 1947-55, but the tradition was revived in 1956 and continues today.

Why ‘Drinking of the Milk’ became an Indy 500 tradition View as list View as gallery Open Gallery Juan Pablo Montoya of Colombia drinks from a bottle of milk while standing near the Borg-Warner trophy after his win in the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 28, 2000, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Al Behrman) Rodger Ward gets a kiss from his wife, holding the family dog, in the victory lane at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 30, 1959. Ward set a new record in the Indy 500 with an average speed of 135.857 miles per hour in his Leader Card 500 Roadster. Ward holds a bottle of milk to drink, a tradition for Indy winners since 1933. (AP Photo) Helio Castroneves raises a bottle of milk while signaling his second consecutive win in the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26, 2002, in Indianapolis.

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Gil de Ferran, of Brazil, drinks from a bottle of milk after his victory in the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 25, 2003, in Indianapolis. De Ferran defeated teammate and two-time defending champion Helio Castroneves. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Al Unser holds up the traditional bottle of milk in celebration on Sunday, May 29, 1978 in Indianapolis win in the 62nd Indianapolis 500-mile race. Unser won the race for the third time, on the eve of his birthday. (AP Photo) Canadian Jacques Villeneuve takes a swig of milk in Victory Lane after winning the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 28, 1995 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Al Behrman) Dan Wheldon, of Great Britain, drinks the traditional bottle of milk after winning the 89th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 29, 2005, in Indianapolis. Michael Andretti, an owner of the team, is at lower right.

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy) FILE = In this May 26, 1991 file phto, Rick Mears celebrates with the traditional bottle of milk after winning the 75th running of the Indy 500 on May 26, 1991. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan, File) Sam Hornish Jr. lifts the bottle of milk as he stands in his car in Victory Circle following his victory in the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, 2006, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Seth Rossman) Dario Franchitti, of Scotland, takes a swig of milk after his victory in the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Strattman) Scott Dixon, of New Zealand, douses himself with milk after winning the Indianapolis 500 auto race Sunday, May 25, 2008, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis.

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Helio Castroneves, of Brazil, celebrates with the traditional bottle of milk after winning the 93rd Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Buddy Lazier appears to hold back tears as he celebrates in Victory Lane at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday, May 26, 1996 holding the traditional bottle of milk, after winning the Indianapolis 500. Lazier's fiancee, Kara Flinn is at right. (AP Photo/Tom Strattman) Arie Luyendyk drinks the traditional milk after winning the Indy 500 for the second time in his career at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Tuesday, May 27, 1997. (AP Photo/Tom Strattman) Indianapolis 500 winner Eddie Cheever hoists the traditional bottle of milk after winning the 82nd running of the race, Sunday, May 24, 1998, in Indianapolis.

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Dario Franchitti, of Scotland, celebrates with the traditional bottle of milk after winning the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 30, 2010. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, of England, douses himself with milk after winning the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Tony Kanaan, of Brazil, celebrates by drinking the winners milk after winning the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Why ‘Drinking of the Milk’ became an Indy 500 tradition x Ryan Hunter-Reay wins 2014 Indianapolis 500 FacebookEmail Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Pinterest Ryan Hunter-Reay wins 2014 Indianapolis 500 Ryan Hunter-Reay held off a furious charge by Helio Castroneves to win the Indianapolis 500 for the first time.

Post to Facebook Ryan Hunter-Reay wins 2014 Indianapolis 500 Ryan Hunter-Reay held off a furious charge by Helio Castroneves to win the Indianapolis 500 for the first time. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. 29 To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs Ryan Hunter-Reay wins 2014 Indianapolis 500 Jeff Olson, Special for USA TODAY Sports Published 3:22 p.m. ET May 25, 2014 | Updated 9:24 p.m. ET May 25, 2014 Ryan Hunter-Reay celebrates after winning the 2014 Indianapolis 500. (Photo: Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports) INDIANAPOLIS — Ryan Hunter-Reay wasn't able to predict victory Sunday in the 98th Indianapolis 500 until he lifted his left arm into the air as he crossed the yard of bricks a few feet ahead of Helio Castroneves.

With just 0.0600 seconds separating the two cars, the margin was the second-closest in Indy 500 history, ending a stirring six-lap shootout in which Hunter-Reay and Castroneves traded the lead four times. "This is what I've dreamed of since I was a little kid," Hunter-Reay said. "This is everything I've worked for. The (IndyCar) championship (in 2012) is right next to this, and this Is probably a little bit ahead of that. It's amazing." CLOSE FINISHES: The top 10 closest Indy 500 finishes before 2014 The victory also pushed an American racer into the limelight for the first time since Sam Hornish Jr. won in 2006, a boon for a race trying to hold its audience and a fact Hunter-Reay quickly seized upon. "I was always trying to get here," he said. "To even have a shot at it is unbelievable. When you look at the NASCAR side of racing, it's all Americans. Open-wheel is a very international sport.

The best talent from around the world is here doing battle in every type of discipline — ovals, street circuits, road courses, short ovals. It's the only championship in the world like that. It's a true drivers' championship." INDY TRADITIONS: Top 10 cool moments about the Indy 500 More signifIcantly, perhaps, was the notion of redemption for Hunter-Reay. Last year he was passed for the lead by Tony Kanaan with three laps remaining and finished third. He graciously accepted defeat, then acknowledged that, given a capable car and similar situation, he could win the Indy 500. But it wasn't that simple or predictable. Perhaps influenced by criticism of Tony Kanaan's win under caution last year, race officials stopped the race with a discretionary red flag after Townsend Bell crashed on Lap 191, leaving debris strewn around the exit of Turn 2. The decision set up the six-lap duel between Hunter-Reay and Castroneves at the end of the race.

CASTRONEVES: Denied a fourth Indy 500 crown again While Hunter-Reay sat in his quiet car during the red flag, team owner Michael Andretti gave him a pep talk. "Michael said, 'You have the best car. You're the best driver out there. Just go win it,'" Hunter-Reay said. "The engineer said the same thing. 'You've got the tools. Let's go make it happen.'" PHOTOS: 2014 Indianapolis 500 Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. IndyCar Series driver Ryan Hunter-Reay dumps milk on his head as he celebrates after winning the 2014 Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mark J. Rebilas Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Ryan Hunter-Reay pumps his fist after winning the 2014 Indianapolis 500. Andrew Weber Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Ryan Hunter-Reay , his wife Beccy Gordon, team owner Michael Andretti and wife Jodi Ann Paterson celebrate after winning the Indianapolis 500. Mark J.

Rebilas, USA TDOAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Ryan Hunter-Reay drinks milk after he won his first Indy 500. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Ryan Hunter-Reay celebrates his Indy 500 win with his son Ryden. Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Ryan Hunter-Reay kisses wife Beccy Gordon as he celebrates after winning the Indianapolis 500. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Ryan Hunter-Reay during the 2014 Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Andrew Weber Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Ryan Hunter-Reay leads Helio Castroneves (3) and Marco Andretti (25). Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Helio Castroneves during the 2014 Indianapolis 500. Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports Townsend Bell crashes in the second turn during the 98th running of the Indianapolis 50. Mike Fair, AP IndyCar Series driver Ed Carpenter (left) confronts James Hinchcliffe after crashing in turn one during the Indianapolis 500. Mark J.

Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Ed Carpenter (20) and driver James Hinchcliffe (27) crash in turn one at the Indy 500. Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Ed Carpenter (20) and driver James Hinchcliffe (27) crash in turn one during the Indianapolis 500. Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series drivers Oriol Servia (left) and Will Power during the 2014 Indianapolis 500. Guy Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Scott Dixon hits the wall in the fourth turn during the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500. Kirk Stierwalt, AP IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe (27) takes the lead at the Indianapolis 500. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Ed Carpenter (20) and driver Carlos Huertas (18) during the Indianapolis 500. Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Kurt Busch during the 2014 Indianapolis 500.

Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe (27) leads Ed Carpenter (20), Will Power (12) and Helio Castroneves (3) during the Indianapolis 500. Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Helio Castroneves. Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Will Power during the Indianapolis 500. Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports General view of the grid prior to the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Guy Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series rookie driver Kurt Busch is blessed by a priest moments before the start of the 2014 Indianapolis 500. Thomas J. Russo, USA TODAY Sports Retired IndyCar Series driver Dario Franchitti walks on the red carpet prior to the Indianapolis 500. Guy Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Fans photograph the Borg-Warner Trophy prior to the race. Guy Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Crew members of IndyCar Series driver Kurt Busch push the car through the garage area prior to the Indianapolis 500.

Guy Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports A detailed view of the Borg-Warner Trophy which is presented to the winner of the Indy 500. Mike Dinovo, USA TODAY Sports Volunteer Logan Grayless walks out of the special tent which holds over 24,000 balloons before the start of the race. Thomas J. Russo, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series drivers (left to right) Ed Carpenter, J.R. Hildebrand and Mikhail Aleshin before the start. Thomas J. Russo, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series drivers Marco Andretti (left) and James Hinchcliffe before the start of the Indianapolis 500. Thomas J. Russo, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver J.R. Hildebrand prior to the Indianapolis 500. Guy Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Mark Cuban walks the red carpet prior to the Indianapolis 500. Guy Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Ice-T in walks the Indy 500 red carpet with wife Coco Austin. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports A color guard rehearses prior to the Indianapolis 500.

Guy Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Race fan Derek Miller of Speedway, Ind., shows off an autographed hat from the 1993 Indianapolis 500. Guy Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Jeff Ross on the red carpet prior to the race. Guy Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Fans move through the main gate at the Indianapolis 500. Thomas J. Russo, USA TODAY Sports Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries: Replay Ryan Hunter-Reay dumps the traditional winner's bottle of milk on his head after winning the 2014 Indianapolis 500 on May 25, 2014. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports From left, Ryan Hunter-Reay, wife Beccy Gordon, team owner Michael Andretti and wife Jodi Ann Paterson take a drive around the track after Hunter-Reay won his first Indianapolis 500 on May 25, 2014. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports Ryan Hunter-Reay celebrates with his son Ryden Hunter-Reay after winning the 2014 Indianapolis 500 on May 25.

Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports Ryan Hunter-Reay gets a kiss from his wife Beccy Gordon after winning the 2014 Indianapolis 500 on May 25. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports Ryan Hunter-Reay (28) held off Helio Castroneves (3) to win the 2014 Indianapolis 500 on May 25. Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports After winning the pole at Barber Motorsports Park, Ryan Hunter-Reay went on to win the Grand Prix of Alabama, on April 6, 2013. Frank Couch, AP In 2012, Ryan Hunter-Reay became the first American to win an IndyCar title since Sam Hornish Jr. in 2006. Hunter-Reay won four races last year to lead all drivers. Robert Laberge, Getty Images Ryan Hunter-Reay secured the 2012 Izod IndyCar Series championship after finishing fourth at the season finale in Fontana, Calif. Hunter-Reay edged Will Power by three points in the final standings. Reed Saxon, AP Ryan Hunter-Reay raises a bottle of champagne after winning the Grand Prix of Baltimore on Sept.

2, 2012. Michael Madrid, USA TODAY Sports Ryan Hunter-Reay, right, celebrates with team owner Michael Andretti after winning the Honda Indy Toronto on July 8, 2012. Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Sports Ryan Hunter-Reay takes the checkered flag to win the Iowa Corn Indy 250 at Iowa Speedway on June 23, 2012. Jonathan Ferrey, Getty Images Ryan Hunter-Reay waits in line to qualify for the 2012 Indianapolis 500 on May 19, while his fiancee Beccy Gordon holds an umbrella on pit road at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Ryan Hunter-Reay raises a giant lobster after winning the MoveThatBlock.com Indy 225 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Aug. 14, 2011, in Loudon, N.H. Nick Laham, Getty Images Ryan Hunter-Reay celebrates after winning the IndyCar Long Beach Grand Prix on April 18, 2010. Gary A.

Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports Ryan Hunter-Reay gestures on his victory lap after winning the Camping World Indy Grand Prix in Watkins Glen, N.Y., on July 6, 2008, for his first win in the IndyCar Series. David Boe, AP Ryan Hunter-Reay drove in the Champ Car World Series, formerly CART, from 2003-2005. Hunter-Reay is shown here at during the 2004 Champ Car season finale in Mexico City. Dario Lopez-Mills, AP Ryan Hunter-Reay enjoys a ride in a Royal Australian Air Force Roulette over the IndyCar track on the Gold Coast, Australia, on Oct .21, 2004. AP Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries: Replay Indy 500 highlights: Kanaan wins after late caution FacebookEmail Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Pinterest Indy 500 highlights: Kanaan wins after late caution J.R. Hildrebrand is the first driver out of the Indy 500 after a hard crash on lap 4. Post to Facebook Indy 500 highlights: Kanaan wins after late caution J.R.

Hildrebrand is the first driver out of the Indy 500 after a hard crash on lap 4. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. 7 To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs Indy 500 highlights: Kanaan wins after late caution Chris Jenkins and Jeff Olson, Special for USA TODAY Sports Published 12:50 p.m. ET May 26, 2013 | Updated 3:09 p.m. ET May 26, 2013 Tony Kanaan prior to the 2013 Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Photo: Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports) INDIANAPOLIS — Tony Kanaan finally broke through to win his first Indianapolis 500, winning under caution.

Kanaan, who has become an Indianapolis favorite, ended years of frustration at the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Kanaan, who thanked his crew over and over as he crossed the finish line, said before the race, "it was win or else." Two late cautions helped Kanaan achieve victory. Graham Rahal crashed with seven laps remaining in the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500. Rahal, the son of 1986 champion Bobby Rahal was looking for his first Indianapolis 500 win. The Rahals were hoping to join Al Unser and Al Unser Jr. as the only father-son duo to win the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Reigning IndyCar champion Ryan-Hunter Reay was leading Tony Kanaan, Carlos Munoz when the caution flag flew. One lap after the green flag flew with four laps remaining, Dario Franchitti hit the wall, bringing another yellow flag. Kanaan grabbed the lead right before the caution flew. Hildebrand crashes early J.R. Hildrebrand is the first driver out of the Indianapolis 500 after a hard wreck on the fourth lap.

Hildrebrand spun out between Turns 1 and 2, hitting the wall hard and scraping away most of the left side of his car. MORE: Boston Marathon runners finish race at Indy The northern California native, who walked away from the car under his own power, said he might have been slightly off line. "I got a little loose in the middle of the corner," Hildebrand said to television reporters after being checked and released from the infield care center. "I'm incredibly disappointed. I thought we had a car to run up front." RACING: Kimball cleared to race after illness Hildrebrand, who drives the the No. 4 National Guard car for Panther Racing, started 10th in Sunday's race. He's best known for crashing on the last turn of the last lap in the 2011 race, costing him a shot to win as a rookie. He finished 14th at Indianapolis last year. PHOTOS: 2013 Indianapolis 500 A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Tony Kanaan drinks from a bottle of milk after winning the 2013 Indianapolis 500.

Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Tony Kanaan, right, gets a kiss from wife Lauren Kanaan after winning the 2013 Indianapolis 500. Thomas J. Russo, USA TODAY Sports Tony Kanaan celebrates after finally capturing his first Indianapolis 500 after 12 tries. John Maxwell, AP Tony Kanaan, left, takes the checkered flag under caution to win the Indianapolis 500. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports Tony Kanaan celebrates with the milk after winning the Indianapolis 500. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports Tony Kanaan leads during the Indianpolis 500. Justin Tooley, USA TODAY Sports Dario Franchitti's car is towed back to the garage after a crash during the final stages of the Indianapolis 500. Stacy DeBruyne, USA TODAY Sports Helio Castroneves' pit crew jumps into action. Castroneves finished sixth. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Drivers Marco Andretti (25) and Ed Carpenter (20) complete their pit stops during the 2013 Indianapolis 500.

Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Sebastian Saavedra, left, spins entering Turn 4 during the 2013 Indianapolis 500. Guy Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Ed Carpenter (20), who started on the pole, leads the Indy 500. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports A general view as IndyCar Series drivers make their way down the front stretch during the 2013 Indianapolis 500. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Driver E.J. Viso (5) leads a pack of cars -- one group nearly four-wide. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Takuma Sato, of Japan, spins in the second turn early on during the Indianapolis 500. John Maxwell AP Drivers enter turn one during the 2013 Indianapolis 500. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports J.R. Hildebrand crashes during the Indianapolis 500. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Saftey crews instruct drivers after J.R. Hildebrand crashed during the running of the 2013 Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports Fans watch from the grandstand during the 2013 Indianapolis 500. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Ed Carpenter leads the field into turn one at the start of the 2013 Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Security guards direct IndyCar fans through gasoline alley prior to the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar driver Tony Kanaan (left) embraces Helio Castroneves prior to the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports From left to right, Charlie Kimball, Ed Carpenter, Sebastian Saavedra and Will Power relax before the start of the 2013 Indianapolis 500. Thomas J. Russo, USA TODAY Sports Boston Marathon participants finally complete their race, running down the front stretch to the yard of bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway prior to the start of the 97th Indianapolis 500.

Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series drivers pose with the Borg-Warner Trophy and the yard of bricks before the 2013 Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Thomas J. Russo, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar driver Dario Franchitti prior to the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports Purdue director of bands Jay Gephart directs the university band on the infield of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Thomas J. Russo, USA TODAY Sports IndyCar Series driver Marco Andretti (left) stands with Carlos Munoz (middle) and Ed Carpenter (right) before the 2013 Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Thomas J. Russo, USA TODAY Sports Members of the Gordon Pipers perform before the 2013 Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Guy Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries: Replay Last Slide Next Slide Sato spins, saves car Takuma Sato spun on the exit of Turn 2 on the 57th lap, but recovered without hitting anything and continued on the lead lap.

It wasn't the first Indy spin for Sato, who was running among the top 10 a few laps before the spin. Last year, he was challenging Dario Franchitti for the lead when he spun and crashed on the final lap. Franchitti went on to win, while Sato finished 17th. Sunday's spin dropped him to 24th. Carpenter wobbles under caution A misstep under caution nearly caught race leader Ed Carpenter by surprise. Carpenter was swerving back and forth to keep his tires clean and warm when he suddenly dipped onto the infield grass in Turn 3 on the 39th lap. He recovered and retained the lead, telling his crew by radio that he nearly lost control while scrubbing his tires. Shortly before that, a crash cost Sebastian Saavedra. Saavedra crashed in Turn 2 on the 36th lap, blaming Pippa Mann for forcing him too low. He was not injured. Rahal, Jakes fined for pit road infractions IndyCar officials administered financial penalties to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing teammates Graham Rahal and James Jakes during Sunday's race for improper entry and exit of pit lane.

Jakes was later assessed a penalty on Lap 95 for an undisclosed pit safety violation. Each was fined $10,000 for the earlier violations, track officials reported, although the specific nature of those violations was not disclosed. The violations came during pit stops after Sebastian Saavedra crashed on Lap 35. Officials said the drivers violated Rule 7.1.3.2.6, which reads, "The pit lane will start and end at points designated by Officials. The pit entrance and pit lane exit lanes are considered part of the Track. Drivers exiting the pit lane shall rejoin the pack relative to the position they are to the Safety Car and/or Cars on Track as they cross the blend out line. Taking improper position upon leaving the pit lane or failure of a Driver and/or Entrant to follow the direction of Officials may result in a minimum one-lap penalty. The Official's determination of the order is not subject to protest or appeal." It was the fourth $10,000 fine for Rahal Letterman Lanigan in four days. After last week's qualifying sessions, the team was fined $10,000 each for two infractions in attempts to keep cars cool in the pits.

The team was assessed $10,000 for Graham Rahal's car and another $10,000 for Michael Jourdain Jr., who failed to qualify for the race. PHOTOS: History of the Indianapolis 500 Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Coined "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," the Indianapolis 500 has been held annually every year since 1911 except for 1917-18 (World War I) and 1942-45 (World War II). Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Thirty-three cars driven to victory in the Indianapolis 500 form the staring grid on the main straight during a photo shoot for the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Oct. 12, 2010. The front row, from right to left, included the 1911 Marmon "Wasp, driven by Ray Harroun, the 2010 car driven by Dario Franchitti, and the 1961 roadster driven by A.J. Foyt for his first of four Indianapolis 500 wins.

Michael Conroy, AP Fullscreen Drivers speed into the first turn on the Brickyard during the first Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1911. The drivers, from left, are Will Jones (9) driving a Case; Joe Jagersberger (8) in a Case; and Louis Disbrow (5) in a Pope-Hartford. AP Ray Harroun won the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 driving a Marmon Wasp. Harroun finished with an average speed of 74.602 miles per hour. The Indianapolis Star A view of the famous pagoda at Indianapolis Motor Speedway from the 1913 Indianapolis 500. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Fullscreen With a crippled engine, Ralph DePalma crosses the finish line to win the 1915 Indy 500 as the checkered flag waves. Another engine failure had stopped him near the end of the 1912 race when DePalma led by at least 10 miles. AP Tommy Milton pilots over the finish line in his H.C.S.

Special in 1923 to win his second Indy 500 with an average speed of 90.950 miles per hour. Milton also won the 1921 race. AP Louis Meyer, shown in his Tydol car in 1933, was the first three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500. Meyer won in 1928, '33 and '36. AP Kelly Petillo, shown with mechanic Jimmie Dunham, won the 1935 race driving a Gilmore Speedway Special. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Three-time winner Wilbur Shaw poses before the 1936 race. Shaw, who designed his own car, a streamlined comet, won his first Indy 500 in 1937 and won back-to-back races in 1939-40. AP The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Pagoda, shown here during the 1929 race, had already been expanded and upgraded since its debut 20 years ago.

The Indianapolis Star Fullscreen After earning his first Indy 500 win in 1941, Mauri Rose won the 1947 race in this Blue Crown Spark Plug Special with an average speed of 116.338 miles per hour. Rose followed his 1947 victory with another win in 1948. AP A view of the straightaway near the first turn from the stands during the 1946 Indianapolis 500. The Indianapolis Star Italy's Luigi Chinetti enters the track from the pits for a test run in his Don Lee Alfa-Romeo on May 16, 1948. Gene Herrick, AP Tragedy struck two-time winner Bill Vukovich, who burned to death in a five car pile-up in the 1955 race. Vukovich, shown here with an unidentified man, was aiming for this third consecutive win after driving to victory in 1953-54. AP Fullscreen Rodger Ward, holding the family dog, gets a kiss from his wife in victory lane after winning the 1959 race.

Ward, who set a new Indy 500 record with an average speed of 135.857 in his Leader Card 500 Roadster, also holds a bottle of milk, a tradition for Indy winners since 1933. AP Jack McGrath, driving a Hinkle Special, leads a pack of 33 competitors to the first curve during the 1952 race. AP Pat Flaherty waves from the winner's circle after winning the 1956 race. Flaherty won while wearing a lucky shamrock decal on his helmet. AP A.J. Foyt smiles in the garage area after winning his first Indy 500 in 1961. Foyt was the first four-time winner of the race, driving to victory in 1961, '64, '67 and '77. AP Fullscreen Smoke boils up from burning cars after a fatal pileup at the north end of the main stretch during the 1964 race. On Lap 1, Dave MacDonald skidded into the northwest inside retaining wall and Eddie Sachs crashed into him as both cars exploded.

Sachs was killed on the track and MacDonald later died as well. The race was stopped for 1 hour and 42 minutes as other drivers were injured and burned. The Indianapolis Star Defending champion Parnelli Jones dives sideways out of his flaming car when it caught fire in the pits, eliminating him from the 1964 race. Jones, who won in 1963, was hospitalized with burns but was not seriously hurt. AP Crowds stand near the exit to "Gasoline Alley," the garage area at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, to view activities as cars are readied for the 1962 race. AP Scotland's Jackie Stewart (43) passes his countryman Jimmy Clark (19) and temporarily takes the lead during the 1966 race. However, with only eight laps to go, Stewart dropped out of the race with car trouble. AP Bobby Unser celebrates after winning the 1968 Indianapolis 500. Unser won the Indy 500 in three different decades, also scoring wins in 1975, and '81. Bobby was the first of three Unsers to win at the Brickyard.

AP Fullscreen Mario Andretti (1) leads the field at the start of the 1967 race. Andretti would go on to win the Indy 500 in 1969 and was the patriarch of the Andretti IndyCar dynasty with sons Michael and Jeff, nephew John and grandson Marco. AP Al Unser , younger brother of Bobby, salutes the crowd as he takes the checkered flag in his Johnny Lightning Special to win the 1971. Unser would join Foyt as a four-time winner, with victories in 1970, '71, '78 and '87. AP Johnny Rutherford waves from his Mc Laren-Offy-T after winning the 1974 race, his first of three victories at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Rutherford also won in 1976 and '80. AP Janet Guthrie, the first woman to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 in 1977, poses with a toy race car at a news conference in New York City in 1978.

Marty Lederhandler, AP Gordon Johncock, who won the Indy 500 in 1973 and 1982, prepares to take Janet Guthrie's Wildcat racer for a test drive in 1978. AP Indy 500 champs (from left) A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears, Danny Sullivan and Al Unser joke with the crowd as they stand along the pit wall at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1988. AP Rick Mears holds up two fingers to signal his second Indy 500 victory after the 1984 race. Mears won the race four times in total: 1979, '84, '88 and '91. Charlie Bennett, AP Tom Sneva hits the wall on turn 1 after his right front tire blew out during practice for the 1980 Indy 500. Sneva went on to win the Indianapolis 500 in 1983. Don Larson, AP Danny Ongais hits the wall in turn 3 on the 64th lap of the 1981 Indianapolis 500.

Ongais was hospitalized with multiple fractures. AP The race car of three-time Indy 500 champion Johnny Rutherford disintegrates as it flies along the wall on turn 3 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1990. Rutherford suffered a concussion in the incident. Steve Weaver, AP Emerson Fittipaldi's crew members jump from the pit wall after Fittipaldi drove to victory in the 1993 Indianapolis 500. The former Formula One champion won his first Indy 500 in 1989. Tom Strickland, AP Al Unser Jr., right, celebrates with car owner Roger Penske after winning the 1994 race. Two years earlier, Unser Jr. became the third member of the Unser family to capture an Indy 500 title. Al Behrman, AP Arie Luyendyk leads Robbie Buhl and the rest of the field into turn 1 on his way to his second Indy 500 victory in 1997. Luyendyk won his first Indy 500 race in 1990.

Tom Strattman, AP Canada's Jacques Villeneuve raises his fist while holding the winner's bottle of milk in victory lane after winning the 1995 Indianapolis 500. Al Behrman, AP Tony Stewart leads the field during the restart of the 1997 Indy 500. The race was resumed on lap 16 after two days of rain allowed only 15 laps to be completed on Memorial Day. Arie Luyendyk is running second. Tom Strattman, AP Eddie Cheever crosses the finish line to win the 82nd running of the Indianapolis 500 in 1998. Chuck Robinson, AP Lyn St. James jokes with fans after practicing for the 1996 Indianapolis 500. In 1992, St. James became the first woman to win the Indy 500 Rookie of the Year award. Tom Strattman, AP Fullscreen Stan Fox, his legs exposed, sits in his airborne car after the front end was torn off while slamming into the first turn wall on the opening lap of the 1995 Indianapolis 500.

Fox's legs were uninjured, but he was hospitalized with serious head injuries. Martin Seppala, AP Juan Pablo Montoya, of Colombia, hoists a bottle of milk in victory lane while standing in front of the Borg-Warner Trophy as crew members help celebrate his win in the 2000 Indy 500. Al Behrman, AP Helio Castroneves climbs the front stretch of fence with his teammates after winning the 2009 Indianapolis 500. Castroneves, a three-time winner, also won back-to-back races in 2001-02. Robert Laberge, Getty Images Actress Ashley Judd congratulates her husband Dario Franchitti after he won the 2007 Indy 500. Franchitti won the race again in 2010 and 2012. Tom Russo, AP An aerial view of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Handout Danica Patrick talks with her father, T.J. Patrick, after she finished third in the 2009 Indianapolis 500. In 2005, Patrick became the first woman to lead a lap during the Indy 500.

Tom Strickland, AP Mike Conway's car goes airborne and crashes into a wall between the third and fourth turn in the last lap of the 2010 Indianapolis 500. The English driver sustained leg, ankle, foot and back injuries. Kerry Keating, The Indianapolis Star The gold centennial brick stands on the row of bricks at the start-finish line as Scott Dixon passes by on pit lane during practice for the 2011 race. Dixon won the Indy 500 in 2008. Greg Griffo, The Indianapolis Star Fullscreen Dan Wheldon dumps the traditional bottle of milk over his head after winning his second Indianapolis 500 in 2011. Wheldon, who won his first Indy 500 in 2005, died after a crash in the 2011 IndyCar season finale in Las Vegas. Darron Cummings, AP The U.S. Postal Service honored the Indianapolis 500 with this stamp, a design which is included in the 2011 U.S. postage stamps collection.

US Postal Service handout via AP Takuma Sato, right, spins in Turn 1 of the final lap while Dario Franchitti safely drives by en route to winning the 2012 Indy 500. Bill Friel, AP Dario Franchitti, center, celebrates with wife Ashley Judd and his crew after winning his third Indy 500 on May 27, 2012. Darron Cummings, AP The Borg-Warner Trophy, on display at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 19, 2012, is given to the winner of the Indianapolis 500. Michael Hickey, USA TODAY Sports After 12 starts and three top-3 finishes, Tony Kanaan finally won the Indianapolis 500 in 2013. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports A day after his 2014 win, Ryan Hunter-Reay poses for photos as his son Ryden waves a flag. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries: Replay American Dairy Association Indiana to host 42nd consecutive Fastest Rookie awards luncheon | Winners Drink Milk!

American Dairy Association Indiana to host 42nd consecutive Fastest Rookie awards luncheon May 18th, 2016 by Brooke Schultz Share this: INDIANAPOLIS â Five Indianapolis 500 first-year drivers will vie for the 42nd annual Fastest Rookie of the Year Award presented by American Dairy Association Indiana (ADAI) and its Hoosier dairy farm families. ADAI has sponsored the Fastest Rookie award since its inception in 1975, making it one of the Indianapolis Motor Speedwayâs longest running programs under the same sponsorship, second only to Borg-Warner. The fastest qualifier from among this yearâs rookie class will be guest of honor at the Fastest Rookie of the Year Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, May 24 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Plaza Pavilion. This by-invitation-only event is attended each year by more than 300, including representatives of the dairy industry from throughout Indiana and the US, a multitude of motorsports personalities, and a large contingent of local, national and international media.

Rookie drivers competing for the honor are: Car #8Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Max Chilton, Relgate, England Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Gallagher Chip Ganassi Racing Car #6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Spencer Pigot, Orlando, FL Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â RLL/Mi-Jack/Manitowoc – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Car #25Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Stefan Wilson, Sheffield, England Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Driven2savelives â KV Racing Technology Car #61Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Matthew Brabham, Gold Coast, Australia Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â PIRTEK Team Murray Car #98Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Alexander Rossi, Nevada City, CA Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Castrol Edge/Curb â Andretti Herta Autosport with Curb Agajanian Last yearâs Fastest Rookie award recipient was Gabby Chaves, who captured top honors with a four-lap average speed of 222.916 mph.

Other drivers to have their names on the Fastest Rookie of the Year trophy, on permanent display in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, include defending Indy 500 champion Juan Pablo Montoya, and Indy winners Rick Mears, Eddie Cheever Jr., Jacques Villeneuve, Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan. Also among award recipients are Tony Stewart, Chip Ganassi, Michael Andretti, Marco Andretti, Carlos Munoz, Danica Patrick, JR Hildebrand, and Josef Newgarden. The May 24 event begins with an 11 am reception, followed by lunch at 11:45. The program and presentation of awards begin at 12:30 pm. In addition to the inscription on the trophy, the winning rookie receives a newly redesigned plaque and $5000 cash award. Event hosts include members of the board of directors of American Dairy Association Indiana: president Donald Gurtner of Fremont, Indiana; vice president Alan Wright of Muncie, Indiana; treasurer Steve Phares, Albion, Indiana, and Haubstadt, Indianaâs Anita Schmitt, secretary.

ADAI general manager Deb Osza of Lapel, Indiana and her staff also will be on hand to welcome guests. Veteran motorsports commentator Vince Welch will emcee the Fastest Rookie luncheon for the 18th consecutive year. Guests will enjoy video presentations that document the rookie driversâ first Month of May at Indy and showcase the Hoosier dairy industry. Also planned is a very special tribute to Anton âTonyâ Hulman, the Terre Haute industrialist who purchased the Speedway in 1945 and saved it and the 500-Mile Race from extinction. Both the Fastest Rookie trophy and the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy will be on display, courtesy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. The Fastest Rookie award is one of two programs that continues the long association between the Hoosier dairy industry and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Bottle of Milk presented to the winner of the 500-mile classic has been a traditional part of the Victory Circle ceremony for nearly 80 years â 61 of which have been consecutive.

The legendary Louis Meyer, the raceâs first three-time winner (1928, â33, â36) is recognized as the driver who began the tradition by requesting a cold drink of buttermilk â his favorite beverage â following his victory in 1933. Three years later, Meyer was photographed dinking milk in Victory Lane. Milk was presented off and on during theÂ next several years until, in 1956, the Bottle of Milk was made a permanent part of the post-race celebration by Speedway owner Tony Hulman. The bottles have become prized possessions of race winners, who also receive a $10,000 cash prize for enjoying that long, refreshing, nutritious post-race drink of milk. This yearâs champion will be greeted in Victory Circle by the American Dairy Association Indianaâs 2016 âMilk Peopleâ â Hoosier dairy farmers Janet Dague of Kewanna, and Joe Kelsay, Whiteland. Both Dague and Kelsay will attend the Fastest Rookie luncheon.

Additionally, in celebration of the 100th running of the 500-Mile Race, 100,000 bottles of milk will be distributed to fans seated along the main straight on Race Day, enabling them to join in on the traditional post-race milk toast and raise their bottles with this yearâs champion. Specially branded â100th runningâ bottles of milk also are available for purchase in area grocery and convenience stores so that fans at home can join in the end-of-race festivities, as well. Recent Posts Fulton County farmer to hand Indy 500 winner the traditional milk bottle | Local News | pharostribune.com Close J. Kyle Keener J. Kyle Keener | Pharos-TribuneFulton County dairy farmer Janet Dague will hand the traditional bottle of milk to the winner of this year's Indy 500. editor's pick featured Fulton County farmer to hand Indy 500 winner the traditional milk bottle Fulton County farmer to hand race winner the traditional milk bottle May 28, 2016 J. Kyle Keener J.

Kyle Keener | Pharos-TribuneFulton County dairy farmer Janet Dague will hand the traditional bottle of milk to the winner of this year's Indy 500. Indianapolis 500 winners have been celebrating with a drink of milk ever since Louis Meyer followed his victories with the dairy beverage in the 1930s. A Fulton County dairy farmer will carry on that tradition by handing the winner their bottle of milk after Sunday's 100th running of the race. Janet Dague and her husband, Andrew, run a dairy farm northeast of Grass Creek that's been in their family for more than 50 years. The about 1,500-acre operation milks about 200 cows, raises heifers and steers, and grows soybeans, corn and hay. Dague's fellow board members with the American Dairy Association Indiana chose her for this year's race day duty. "I was really excited," she said. "...It's cool I get the 100th year." Each board member who hands the 500 winner the victory drink does the same for the chief mechanic and and car owner of the winning team the previous year.

"It was a blast," Dague said of last year's experience. She has fond memories of riding on the Winners Drink Milk float in the 500 Festival parade and seeing all the people watching from the windows of the tall buildings as the procession made its way around Monument Circle. "The whole downtown Indy was packed," Dague said. "It was really, really cool to see." She and her husband have been attending the Indianapolis 500 for more than 20 years. Dague said she admires the event for its longstanding history. "How many sports can be around for 100 years in the same place?" she said. "There's a ton of tradition that goes with it — all the tradition and pageantry that goes along with the race." Dague's participation in the 2016 Indy 500 follows Logansport Dairy farmer Dave Forgey's bestowal of the bottle to Dario Franchitti in 2012. The winning driver will be far from the only one at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway tossing back a drink of milk Sunday.

Dague said she's looking forward to the 100,000-pint milk toast planned for the 100th running of the race. "I can't wait," she said. Reach Mitchell Kirk at mitchell.kirk@pharostribune.com or 574-732-5130 The big race The Logansport area has a long history with the Indianapolis 500. With the 100th running, we’re presenting a three-day series on local connections with the iconic race.

Question: What is the traditional victory beverage guzzled in the Winner's Circle of the Indianapolis 500?
Answer: Milk