SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) — What was once a refreshing drink for one race-winner is now an almost century-long tradition at the Indianapolis 500.
Each year, two members of the Indiana Dairy Farm present a commemorative milk bottle to the winning driver. For the 109th running, and for the second time in its history, both presenters are women.
News 8 caught up with veteran Abbie Herr and rookie Ashley Stockwell, the presenters this year. To Herr, the victory celebration is going to be the most exciting part.
“It’s so neat seeing all the people come up into Victory Circle and then all of the sudden you hear ‘Milk! Milk! Milk!’ and we’re rushed out there,” Herr said.
With 700 dairy farm families across Indiana, Stockwell is humbled to represent them.
“I’m excited as the rookie this year… I’m trying to take it all in.” Stockwell said. “It’s hard to explain what it feels (like) to represent all the Indiana Dairy Farm families.”
Victory Circle isn’t something that could scare veteran Herr.
“I’ve had people ask me if I’m afraid to be in the splash zone this year if the winning driver dumps the milk. I’m not really concerned, I’m going to take it as a glory.” Herr said.
This year, 28 drivers chose whole milk — the rest chose 2%.