The Story of a Kelsay and Milk at the Indy 500

The end of May is fast approaching and that means people from around the world have travelled to Indianapolis for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”. For over 70 years the winners of the Indianapolis 500 have celebrated in Victory Circle with a hearty swig from an ice-cold bottle of milk – a ceremony recognized around the world as unique to the Indy 500. Only 17 people have ever handed over the traditional bottle of milk. Louie Meyer started this tradition when he was photographed with milk after one of his three 500-Mile victories. Meyer actually preferred buttermilk but today drivers get a choice of whole, 2%, or fat-free. The American Dairy Association of Indiana and its Indiana dairy farm families are responsible for ensuring that the Victory Circle tradition endures and prospers. In fact, Sports Illustrated magazine has recognized the bottle of milk given annually to the winner of the Indianapolis 500 as No. 1 among the "sports world's coolest prizes”.
In 2006 and 2007 a Kelsay had the honor of being part of this great tradition. In 2006 Merrill (the farther-in-law) was the “rookie” and in 2007 he passed the milk to winner Dario Franchitti.

There are many great drivers in this year’s field who are all eyeing that bottle of milk! Who will it be?



For more information about "The Drink of Milk in Victory Lane" visit Indiana Dairy