Victory Lane

Lore & Background

The source article does not mention Victory Lane or any tradition of drinking milk.

In Their Own Story

The roar of the crowd is a distant hum now, muffled by the helmet. The checkered flag is a blur in the mirror. Then, the car slows, turns left, and stops on the cool pavement. The sudden silence is broken by the pop of a champagne cork. A crew member hands me a cold bottle of milk. I lift my visor, squinting against the sun, and see the faces—my team, my family, a sea of fans waving programs. This is Victory Lane. The bricks beneath my tires still hold the heat of 500 miles. I take a long drink, and for a moment, the world is perfect.

Reader's Guide

The source article does not provide guidance on Victory Lane.

Did You Know?

• Victory Lane is a short strip of sun-baked asphalt near the start/finish line at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
• The winner's car is stopped in Victory Lane, draped in the checkered flag, while the driver is showered with confetti and cheers from the grandstands.
• The tradition of kissing the yard of bricks—the original brick surface left exposed at the start/finish line—often precedes the Victory Lane celebration.