We’re getting very close to the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. During tomorrow’s coverage, viewers might notice things happening at the 500 that don’t happen at other races on the schedule. Today, LWOS is breaking down some of the traditions that take place during the Indy 500.
The Traditions at the Indianapolis 500 are Part of the Race’s History
With over one hundred years of running the Indianapolis 500, the race has developed some traditions throughout its history. These small parts of the race have become staples and fan favorites, contributing to the prestige and allure of the largest motorsport event in the world.
Winners Drink Milk
One of the most notable traditions at the Indianapolis 500 is the winner drinking milk at the end of the race.
The tradition dates back to 1936. After winning the race that year, driver Louis Meyer was seen holding up a bottle of milk in his left hand after parking his car in Victory Lane. The crowd cheered while he held three fingers up with his other hand, signifying his third Indy 500 win.
The moment was captured by a Movietone News cameraman and has become an iconic image in Indy 500 history.
Now, the drivers are allowed to choose what type of milk they would like if they win. Most drivers choose whole milk.
The milk bottles are sourced by two Indiana dairy farmers. They play a role in continuing the tradition and represent their colleagues and dairy farmers across Indiana.
Kissing the Bricks
The ‘kissing the bricks’ tradition is one that originates outside of IndyCar, the tradition started with NASCAR’s Brickyard 400.
The start/finish line at IMS features a 36-inch strip of exposed brick from the Speedway’s original construction. As a result, the track has often been referred to as ‘The Brickyard’.
In 1996, after winning the Brickyard 400, Dale Jarrett and his crew chief, Todd Parrott, kissed the bricks in celebration of their win.
The tradition was adopted by IndyCar in 2003, when Gil de Ferran won the race and did the same.
Today, anyone who wins at Indianapolis Motor Speedway takes a moment to kiss the bricks.
Back Home Again in Indiana
The singing of the chorus of Back Home Again In Indiana became an Indianapolis 500 tradition over 100 years ago.
In 1919, the trackside brass band played the song while Hoosier Howdy Wilcox made his way to victory. Although this is the first time the song was played at the track, it didn’t become an annual tradition until 1946.
The race in 1946 marked the return of the Indy 500 after a four-year hiatus due to World War II. The song was performed an hour before the race began. The crowd that gathered at IMS went silent and listened as it was performed.
James Melton, a member of the New York Metropolitan Opera, was invited to sing the song over the next few years. Since then, it has become a staple in the pre-race traditions.
The Borg-Warner Trophy
Awarded to the winner of the Indy 500, the Borg-Warner Trophy was first introduced as the annual prize in 1936.
The trophy is made of sterling silver and stands at five feet four inches tall. It also weighs close to 153 pounds.
The original body of the trophy featured the names of the 70 winners of the Indy 500 between 1936 and 1985. In 1986, a base was added to the trophy to make room for more names. The trophy went through a restoration in 2004, where the first base was removed and a larger one was put in its place.
The current trophy space is big enough to hold the names of winners through 2033.
Due to the size and weight of the trophy, the winner is given a small-scale replica. The replica’s been nicknamed the Baby Borg. The Baby Borg is presented the following January at a Speedway reception.
The real Borg-Warner trophy is on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
READ MORE: A Look Back: The 2023 Indianapolis 500
Main Photo: Chris Jones, Penske Entertainment
Recording Date: 5/31/2021
