Refueling Helio Castroneves

Indiana dairy producers proudly share their Indy 500 experience with media - along with cold, refreshing milk.

Two years ago I was asked by Don Gurtner, president of Milk Promotion Services of Indiana, to present the bottle of milk to the winning driver of the Indy 500. I had no idea what all I was getting myself into.  I am from southern Indiana and I had no idea how huge the Indy 500 actually is to the people of Indianapolis.  Sure, I knew they always have an attendance of over 300,000 people, and millions more around the globe watch on television, but I had no clue as to how Indianapolis spends the entire month of May in celebration of the Indy 500.  There are so many events and activities surrounding the race; it’s really cool to be a part of the excitement.

What is even more exciting to me as a dairy farmer is how many people get our message of “Winners Drink Milk”!  From the print and radio advertisements to the Zoopolis and the Indy 500 Parade, people are constantly reminded how important milk is on a daily basis.  They remember “Winners Drink Milk”.  Our family works really hard to produce the milk at the center of the winner’s circle and I’m glad to know it’s appreciated.

I was so proud to be the dairy farmer whose job was to refuel the winning driver with ice-cold, nutritious milk.  Handing the bottle of milk to Helio Castroneves was the highlight of a very exciting weekend.  His acceptance of the win and all that goes with winning the Indy 500 was such an emotional experience.  You could tell exactly how much he was affected by what winning the Indy 500 means.  He was very happy to receive his drink of milk.   It was an experience I will never forget.