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Connecting consumers to the farm through racing

The Fastest Rookie award and the Indianapolis 500 are two opportunities to tell the story of Indiana’s dairy farmers.

Deb Osza with the American Dairy Association of Indiana says they’re proud to take part in both – and it’s a great way to start a conversation with consumers.   “Because the winner of the Indianapolis 500 drinks milk,” she says.  “We’ve been able to use that wonderful, serendipitous winning trophy to connect agriculture with racing.”

AUDIO: Deb Osza, American Dairy Association of Indiana

This year’s second fastest rookie, Ed Jones of Dubai, says there is no greater prize in sports than the drink of milk in victory circle.  “The glass of milk is so prestigious and such a big part of the history at the Indianapolis 500,” he says.  “To be able to accomplish that is a dream come true.”

Jones will start in the 11^th position on race day – the same position as last year’s Fastest Rookie Alexander Rossi, who was also last year’s winner of the Indianapolis 500.

AUDIO: Ed Jones, Second Fastest Rookie

On race day, two Hoosier dairy farmers greet the champion in Victory Circle to present that prized bottle of milk.  Former Milk Man and chairman of the American Dairy Association of Indiana Alan Wright says dairy farmers are honored to continue the race day tradition.  “As a dairy farmer that’s the greatest thing we can do,” he says.  “It’s a great advertisement and great promotion.   Racecar drivers work hard every day – just like we do as dairy farmers and we’re proud to be associated with them.”

AUDIO: Alan Wright, ADAI Chairman

This year’s Fastest Rookie was Fernando Alonso of Spain – with a four-lap average speed of 231.3 mph.