Whole Milk Remains Top Pick for Indy 500 Winners

The Indianapolis 500's tradition of drinking milk in Victory Lane began in 1936 when Louis Meyer requested buttermilk after winning, a gesture that evolved into an enduring ritual promoted by the dairy industry. For the 109th running in 2025, 28 of 33 drivers chose whole milk, with none opting for skim, as part of a process now formally managed by the American Dairy Association Indiana, which polls each driver on their preference. Only Emerson Fittipaldi has publicly broken tradition by drinking orange juice after his win in 1993, which was met with backlash. The milk celebration, paired with the presentation of the Borg-Warner Trophy, has become an iconic symbol of victory at the Indy 500, setting it apart from other motorsport events. The milk delivered to winners today is different from the sweet, creamy buttermilk originally consumed by Meyer. Indiana dairy farmers continue to deliver the chosen milk to Victory Lane, honoring a tradition watched by millions.