Winners Refuel with Milk

“Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!” During the month of May, those familiar words bring race fans across the globe to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While engines roar around the oval track and fans await the checkered flag, an Indiana dairy farmer prepares the "coolest trophy in sports," a quart of milk, for Victory Circle.

The coveted drink of milk tradition dates back to 1936 when driver Louis Meyer simply requested buttermilk to quench his thirst, refueling his body after the grueling race, on the advice his mother gave him as a young boy. The tradition has since evolved from a thirst satisfying beverage to a ceremonial hand-off with an Indiana dairy farmer giving the iconic, glass bottle of milk to the winner. Over 250,000 people watch in-person and more tune in worldwide.

The week of the race, drivers are asked their milk preferences: fat-free, 2% or whole milk. Whole milk is the most popular choice by the drivers, but no matter which they choose, each type contains the same 13 essential nutrients to refuel their bodies and will be happily handdelivered.

Have a Family

Taste Test! Share which milk you’d each select if you were to win the Indianapolis 500 on indyschild.com/ contests between May 1226 for your chance to win!

Hydration Station

Did you know that milk is 90% water? Milk also contains electrolytes like calcium, magnesium and potassium – perfect to support healthy muscles and maintain that daily quota of fluids. With hot summer months arriving soon, encourage kids to drink their daily amount. Pediatricians recommend milk and water as go to beverages for children 1-5 years of age. Do double duty for bigger kids with smoothies or “milksicles” to squeeze in that extra serving of fruits or vegetables. No one will ever notice.

Budding Athletes

Indy 500 drivers aren’t the only ones that know “winners drink milk.” As nature’s sports drink, athletes around the globe have embraced the power of chocolate milk to rehydrate and recover after a workout or competition. Research shows low-fat chocolate milk has the perfect mix of carbs and protein to rebuild muscles as well as replenish fluids after the big game. Concerned about added sugar for your kiddos? Don’t sweat it! While flavored milk can be included as part of a healthy meal plan, plain, low-fat milk still offers the same high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals your super star needs.

Refueling your body, building strong bones and muscles, and maintaining a healthy immune system has never been easier thanks to the 13 essential nutrients in milk and other delicious dairy foods. Studies show dairy, as part of a healthy, sustainable, meal plan, improves overall diet quality, and may contribute to better bone health, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. At roughly 25 cents per serving, that’s a win for the whole family!

Learn more about youth wellness, dairy nutrition, and how dairy farm families continue to care for their cows and the planet every single day at WinnersDrink Milk.com.

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