Indy 500’s Milk Ritual

I admit I’m not a car racing fanatic—except for the SCCA championships at Road America. So I was a bit intrigued when I heard about the ritual post-race milk chug at the Indianapolis 500. I guess it goes back to the 1930s when the winner was photographed drinking a bottle of buttermilk. News reached someone at the Milk Foundation, who recognized a great photo-op and hoped “victory milk” would touch the lips of each subsequent winner.

These days winners have the choice of whole, two percent and skim. I’m not sure which variety Brazil’s Helio Castroneves chose this year—if you hear word, let us know.