Winners Drink Milk -- The tradition of drinking milk when you win the Indy 500
“Best milk I’ve ever tasted,” Alex Palou beamed, bottle in hand, standing atop the Victory Podium at the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. After a thrilling race and his first-ever oval win, the three-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion took a hearty swig of tradition—and maybe a little calcium, too.
Palou’s victory wasn’t just a career milestone—it was a moment that cemented his place among racing legends. But let’s be honest, for dairy farmers across the United States, the real star of the show might just be that iconic glass bottle of milk.
A Toast to Tradition
“Winners Drink Milk.” It’s more than a slogan—it’s a beloved Indiana tradition that dates back to 1936, when racing legend Louis Meyer requested buttermilk to quench his thirst after his third Indy 500 win. The moment stuck, and over the decades, it’s evolved into one of the most heartwarming (and dairy-rich) rituals in all of sports.
Today, the ceremonial milk hand-off is a big deal. Two Indiana dairy farmers are chosen each year to represent the hardworking folks behind every bottle. One serves as the official “Milk Person,” this year it was Abbie Herr, while the other is the “Rookie,” learning the ropes and delivering milk to the winning team’s mechanic and owner. This year the Rookie was Ashley Stockwell.
“I always say that I have milk running through my blood because I just love dairy,” says Herr. Herr grew up on a small dairy farm in South Whitley, Indiana and now works alongside her husband, Steve. Stockwell grew up in farming, but married into dairy farming. Stockwell and her husband, Kyle, run Stockwell Farms in Hudson, Indiana.
Cold, Creamy, and Crowd-Pleasing
Before the engines roar to life, drivers submit their milk preferences—fat-free, 2%, or whole. Whole milk remains the driver favorite, and was Palou’s choice.
With over 250,000 fans watching in person and millions more tuning in worldwide, the milk moment is more than just a post-race refreshment. It’s a tribute to dairy farmers.
It’s not every day that a bottle of milk gets a standing ovation, but at the Indy 500, it’s a champion in its own right.
You might also enjoy the article: What Do Cows Have to Do with the Indy 500?