During the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500, nine former winners will be among the field of 33 drivers looking for their shot to reclaim victory after 200 laps around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway—including a fan favorite who’s competing in his final Indy 500.
“What a great event here in Indianapolis! It’s awesome,” says 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner Tony Kanaan. He’ll be starting ninth from the outside of Row 3 and driving in his 22nd and final Indy 500 with racing team Arrow McLaren.
Looking back on his win in 2013, does Kanaan have a vivid memory of pulling into Victory Circle and drinking that traditional bottle of milk from American Dairy Association Indiana?
“Yes, 100 percent,” says Kanaan. “That was probably the best milk I’ve ever tasted. It was a childhood dream of mine to win the Indy 500 one day. It took me 12 years to do it—but drinking that milk in Victory Lane was a life dream, so I cherish that moment to this day.”
Not only does Kanaan cherish that moment of fulfilling his dream of winning in Indianapolis and drinking the milk in Victory Circle, but he’s also a huge supporter of Indiana’s dairy farmers and has volunteered for several events on behalf of American Dairy Association Indiana, including serving as a celebrity ice-cream scooper during the organization’s annual Ice Cream Social fundraiser on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis last July.
“Obviously, American Dairy Association Indiana helps the Indianapolis Motor Speedway a lot, so I’m glad to give back to the community.”
Should Tony Kanaan take the checkered flag and win the Indy 500 on Sunday in his final attempt, he says he wants an ice-cold bottle of whole milk as part of the celebration and tradition.
Click below to hear C.J. Miller’s radio news report and interview with 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner Tony Kanaan.
