05/14/2026
We are excited for Ashley and Brian to not only represent our Indiana dairy farm families but also to represent DFA proudly and all of our family farms nationwide!
For more than 90 years, the winner of the Indianapolis 500 has celebrated their success with a drink of real milk in Victory Circle, handed to them by an Indiana dairy farmer representing farms across the state.
At this year’s race, in partnership with Indiana Dairy, that tradition will be carried on by two DFA farmer-owners, Ashley Stockwell and Brian Rexing.
At the 2026 Indianapolis 500, Ashley Stockwell of Stockwell Farms in Hudson, Ind., will serve as the Veteran Milk Presenter and deliver milk to the winning driver.
Brian Rexing of New Generation Dairy in Owensville, Ind., will serve as the Rookie Milk Presenter, presenting milk to the winning team owner and chief mechanic.
“It’s an incredible honor to serve as the Veteran milk presenter this year and experience the greatest spectacle in racing in this way for the second year in a row,” Ashley says. “Continuing this tradition during the Year of the Woman Farmer is especially meaningful. I’m proud to represent Indiana dairy farmers, and our daughters, and other women in dairy across the country.”
Ashley grew up in a farming family and now runs Stockwell Farms with her husband, Kyle, and their four kids. For Brian, who grew up milking cows and now runs a fourth‑generation dairy with his wife, Ranell, the moment carries a different kind of weight.
He has said the opportunity isn’t really about standing in Victory Circle. It’s about representing the farmers who show up every day to nourish the people of Indiana and beyond.
The tradition started in 1936, when race winner Louis Meyer asked for buttermilk after crossing the finish line.
That interesting choice of refreshment evolved into the tradition we see today, with an Indiana dairy farmer handing an ice-cold bottle to the winner in front of more than 250,000 fans at the track and millions more watching around the world, showcasing that real dairy is the fuel of champions.
On race day, whole, 2%, and skim milk will be iced down and ready. Drivers are asked ahead of time which type they prefer — with whole milk usually at the top of the list, of course.
If you were the champ, what would your choice be?
