The Rookie Celebration is an invitation-only tradition dating back to 1975, hosted by the American Dairy Association Indiana at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Each year, in the days surrounding the Indianapolis 500^®, the event brings together that year's rookie class for an exclusive celebration honoring their historic achievement of qualifying for the world's greatest race.

Rookies get a behind-the-scenes look at one of motorsport's most beloved traditions — the Indy 500^® milk ceremony — and have the unique opportunity to meet the Indiana dairy farmers who will be presenting the winning driver with that iconic bottle of milk in Victory Lane.

A highlight of the event is the presentation of the Fastest Rookie award, recognizing the standout newcomer who made their Indy 500^® debut in truly unforgettable fashion.

With nearly five decades of history, the Rookie Celebration remains one of motorsport's most distinguished and cherished traditions — a rare moment where the next generation of racing legends is welcomed into the Indy 500^® family.

The Rookie Celebration is the longest running continuous sponsorship at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The term “rookie” might be a little misleading, as all of the drivers that are part of the Rookie Celebration have many years of experience and miles under their belts. They are part of this event during their first year driving in the Indy 500^®. The winning rookie is determined by recording the fastest four-lap average speed among his or her fellow rookie competitors on Qualification Day.

The very first Fastest Rookie was Bill Puterbaugh who, in 1975, qualified with a time of 183.833 mph. Rick Mears broke the 200 mph barrier for rookies just a few years later in 1978. The fastest rookie qualifier – to date – was Tony Stewart with a four-lap average of 233.100 in 1996. Think this could be the year that record is broken?

The luncheon takes place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Gallagher Plaza, interviewing each of the rookie drivers, letting those in attendance get to know the newest Indy 500^® drivers and the year's Milk Presenters.

For someone not familiar with Indy 500^® traditions, the guest list might seem like an odd combination of dairy farmers and race teams. But for those who are Indy 500^® fans, it makes perfect sense!

While we learn a little about the rookies, they learn about some of the traditions surrounding the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. 

And of course, the ceremony ends with a milk toast, wishing all the drivers a safe and fast race. A number of familiar faces have been honored as our Fastest Rookie – Chip Ganassi, Michael Andretti, Juan Pablo Montoya, Tony Kanaan, Scott Dixon, Danica Patrick, Marco Andretti and Josef Newgarden, to name just a few.