Start your summer by cruising with the windows down, the wind blowing through your hair and a smile on your face. That’s how Indy fans prefer their Memorial Day too. Here’s what you need to know about the Indy 500.
1. Move over Gatorade; milk is the drink of the winners at International Motor Speedway. The tradition that involves the winner swigging milk began in 1936 with Louis Meyer, whose go-to drink after a win was a refreshing glass of milk. An overjoyed milk executive spotted the act, and the rest is history. The drivers can choose between whole, 2% or skim milk for their celebratory drink (that the winner will subsequently pour on their head). MILK…IT QUENCHES YOUR THIRST, SAID NO ONE EVER
2. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is also known as the Brickyard. It’s called the Brickyard because the track used to be made of bricks, which are still exposed under the asphalt at the start-finish line. It’s a tradition for the drivers to kiss these bricks before the race. We cannot confirm or deny if that’s where cold sores come from. YOUR KISS IS ON MY LIPS
3. The race isn’t just for men. In its history, ten women have raced at Indy, with Danica Patrick setting the record for the highest finishing position for a woman with a third-place finish in 2005. She is also the first woman to lead a lap at the Indy 500. One woman we hope to see in this Sunday’s race is Katherine Legge, but she was involved in a crash during practice, and there has been no word if she will race. MOVE OVER, COMING THROUGH
4. Another intriguing aspect of the Indy 500 is the BYOB policy. Attendees can bring coolers filled with food and beverages (including alcoholic drinks), making it a unique and cost-effective experience for fans. Is your business brain confused about why they don’t want the money? Well, the speedway can’t physically serve that many people. Besides, the party atmosphere and the freedom to bring your supplies contribute to the festive ambiance that sets the Indy 500 apart from other sporting events. CHEERS
5. Something you never thought you’d want to know, yet here we are. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is considered one of the world’s largest spectator facilities, with over 250,000 permanent seats and average attendance at the Indy 500 of 300,000. The 253 acres infield hosts an EDM concert in the Snake Pit and includes a golf course. Churchill Downs, Yankee Stadium, Rose Bowl Stadium, Vatican City, the Taj Mahal, the White House, Liberty Island, and the Roman Colosseum could simultaneously fit inside the speedway. THE BIG HOUSE
