Milking tradition began with Louis Meyer’s 1936 Indianapolis 500 victory

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 25, 2025, with coverage starting at 10 a.m. ET. During this event, a unique tradition will continue where the race winner is celebrated with a bottle of milk in the victory circle. This custom dates back to 1936, when Louis Meyer became the first racer to drink milk after his victory. After a tiring race on a hot day, he recalled his mother’s words about buttermilk refreshing him and asked for it post-race. This moment was captured by a photographer, leading to a beloved tradition of winners drinking milk at the Indy 500. Currently, 28 out of the 33 drivers have opted for whole milk, while only five drivers have chosen 2% milk. Notable drivers this year include Josef Newgarden, who starts in 32nd place due to a penalty against Team Penske, having previously won the race two times in a row. The race is crucial as it represents the sixth race of the 2025 INDYCAR season, with Alex Palou having won four of the first five races but yet to claim victory at the Indianapolis 500. The broadcast will be available on FOX and via streaming on the FOX Sports app.