Indy 500: A Milk Celebration
Each Memorial Day weekend, a winning tradition unfolds in the midsection of the country. At the end of the biggest motorsports event in the world, all eyes will be on the winner's circle of the Indianapolis 500.
An extravagant event, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has a packed weekend, but what happens at the very end is what really gains the most attention. The winning driver’s victory celebration with an ice-cold bottle of milk.
The rich tradition began in 1936, which includes the winning driver taking a sip or two of milk before pouring the entire bottle on themself.
It’s a tradition that an Indiana dairy farmer gets to help orchestrate at the 106th Indy 500. Dairy farmer Tim Haynes of Superior Dairy in Garrett is looking forward to the Indy 500 winner grabbing the bottle of milk from his hand.
“The opportunity to send milk's message to a huge audience is unbelievable,” Haynes says.
Both Tim and his brother, David work alongside their family to care for 240 milk cows.
“It is a great honor to showcase the 750 dairy farm families in Indiana and the work they do 365 days a year,” Haynes told AgriTalk host, Chip Flory. “The opportunity to show the work that goes into producing the most perfect food is amazing.”
Kerry Estes, a first-generation dairy farmer from just southeast of Indianapolis, will also be at the Indy Speedway on Sunday. Estes will learn exactly how the traditional events flow, preparing to be the point person next year to deliver milk to the winner circle. Additionally, Estes will give milk to the winning team owner, as well as the chief mechanic.
“It means a lot to represent dairy farmers,” Estes says. “I’m a first-generation farmer. I didn't grow up on a dairy farm and my wife and I made a decision that we wanted to raise our family on a farm, and we got into this industry.”
Driver Louis Meyer began the tradition in 1936. He would refresh himself on a hot day with buttermilk and drank some after winning the Indy 500. This year's drivers were asked what kind of milk they wanted, and 25 drivers requested whole milk, six asked for 2%, nobody selected fat-free and one stated no preference.
The 106th Indy 500 is set for Sunday, May 29 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
To listen to the entire conversation, where Tim Haynes and Kerry Estes talk to AgriTalk host, Chip Flory, click here - AgriTalk-5-26-22-Indy 500 Dairy - AgriTalk - Omny.fm
