As the Indianapolis Motor Speedway transforms right into a hub the place motorsport meets a peculiar tradition-milk. For almost six many years, the ceremonial drink for winners of the illustrious 500-mile race has been none aside from milk. Nonetheless, there was one driver who dared to problem this time-honored ritual. Let’s dive into the charming story behind the motive force who refused to drink milk after profitable the Indy 500.
The origins of this distinctive custom will be traced again to the legendary three-time 500 champion, Louis Meyer. Following his second victory at Indianapolis in 1933, Meyer made an uncommon request for a glass of buttermilk. Legend has it that his mom had suggested him that milk can be refreshing on a scorching day, and buttermilk occurred to be his choice. Whereas there is no such thing as a photographic proof of him consuming the milk that 12 months, it was in 1936, after profitable his third Indianapolis 500, that Meyer’s request for milk was captured on movie.
The newsreels showcasing Meyer consuming milk quickly caught the eye of somebody inside the dairy trade. They noticed a possibility to make use of this distinctive act to encourage and promote the consumption of milk amongst kids. Henceforth, the custom of the Indianapolis 500 winner consuming milk was born. The apply occurred intermittently till 1956, which marked the primary 12 months when the dairy trade provided prize cash. Since then, each victorious driver of the Indianapolis 500 has partaken on this symbolic sip, aside from one.
Emerson Fittipaldi’s daring stand towards milk at Indy 500 Victory Lane
Among the many lengthy checklist of iconic drivers who embraced the custom, one title stands out as an exception-Emerson Fittipaldi. In 1993, the Brazilian driver discovered himself in Victory Lane after a formidable efficiency. Nonetheless, as an alternative of conforming to the customized, Fittipaldi took the chance to advertise his personal breakfast beverage pursuits, deviating from the norm.
When requested if he would drink the milk, Fittipaldi defiantly responded, “No, I am not going to have the milk.” The gang and the racing group have been greatly surprised by his departure from the custom that had been revered for many years. Fittipaldi went on to clarify that he would go for his personal product, orange juice, as he hailed from a area identified for its manufacturing of the citrusy beverage. Though he ultimately succumbed to strain and privately consumed the milk after the cameras had turned away, the injury was completed. Fittipaldi’s resolution to deviate from the revered custom resulted in an fast backlash, and his reputation suffered as a consequence.
As one other exhilarating version of the Indianapolis 500 unfolds on the iconic Motor Speedway, one driver could have the chance to just accept the sacred sip of milk. This symbolic act signifies their acknowledgement of the race’s significance and their place among the many greats who’ve triumphed earlier than them. For in Victory Lane, there is no such thing as a style extra gratifying than the milk that has come to characterize triumph on the Indy 500.
