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106th Running Of The Indianapolis 500

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The iconic tradition of drinking milk in Victory Lane at the Indy 500 continues to captivate fans and drivers alike. As the drivers prepare to battle it out on the legendary track, organizers have taken the initiative to ensure that each driver’s milk preference is met. This will make it a truly personalized victory celebration.

Rick Mears Drinking Milk After Winning

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The Indiana Dairy Association, responsible for orchestrating this beloved tradition, conducted its annual milk preference poll. Drivers were given a choice between whole, 2%, skim, or the option of having no preference at all.

Al Unser Drinking Milk in Victory Lane

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This year’s poll revealed that an overwhelming majority of drivers, 28 to be exact, expressed their desire for whole milk. Three drivers opted for 2%, while two drivers favored skim. Unfortunately, driver Stefan Wilson, who initially participated in the poll, will be unable to join this year’s race due to injuries sustained during a practice crash. Graham Rahal will step in for him, but his milk preference remains unreported.

CAR-INDY 500-WINNER-DE FERRAN 3

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How did the tradition of drinking milk begin?

Interestingly, in a departure from the standard options, drivers Ed Carpenter and Felix Rosenqvist expressed their preference for buttermilk last year. While not officially offered as a choice, buttermilk holds a special place in the history of Indy 500 champions. Legend has it that Louis Meyer, a three-time winner, drank buttermilk in Victory Lane after his victory in the scorching heat of 1936, influenced by his mother’s belief that it was the best beverage for such occasions.

AUTO: MAY 25 IndyCar - Indianapolis 500

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The tradition of drinking milk in Victory Lane was born from Meyer’s celebration, as a savvy dairy industry executive recognized the opportunity to promote milk consumption and turned it into an enduring tradition.

1972 Indy 500

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As the drivers take their positions on the starting grid for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500, their milk preferences have been noted and will be diligently prepared. From whole milk enthusiasts to those favoring 2% or skim milk, each driver’s choice will be honored to ensure a taste of victory like no other.

 

 

AUTO: MAY 28 IndyCar - Indianapolis 500

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Who is the 2023 Indy 500 Milk Man?

His name is Kerry Estes. Estes is a first-generation dairy farmer from southeast of Indianapolis. He stated, “It comes right straight out of the ice; it’s cold. I want that milk so cold when they dump it over that they gasp. But I mean, it’s got to be perfect.”

CAR-INDY 500-RICE

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Which milk is your favorite driver’s preference?

Whole (28 drivers)

  • Marco Andretti
  • Agostin Canapino
  • Ed Carpenter
  • Conor Daly
  • Devlin DeFrancesco
  • Scott Dixon
  • R.C. Enerson
  • Marcus Ericsson
  • Santino Ferrucci
  • Jack Harvey
  • Colton Herta
  • Ryan Hunter-Reay
  • Callum Illott
  • Tony Kanaan
  • Kyle Kirkwood
  • Christian Lundgaard
  • David Malukas
  • Scott McLaughlin
  • Josef Newgarden
  • Pato O’Ward
  • Simon Pagenaud
  • Alex Palou
  • Will Power
  • Sting Ray Robb
  • Felix Rosenqvist
  • Alexander Rossi
  • Rinus VeeKay
  • Stefan Wilson*

2% (3 drivers)

  • Helio Castroneves
  • Benjamin Pedersen
  • Takuma Sato

Skim (2 drivers)

  • Romain Grosjean
  • Katherine Legge

The post Whole, 2% or Skim? Indy 500 drivers choose Victory Lane milk preferences. appeared first on WIBC 93.1 FM — Indy’s Mobile News.

Whole, 2% or Skim? Indy 500 drivers choose Victory Lane milk preferences.  was originally published on wibc.com

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