Often touted as one of the most recognized award in sports, the milk bottle presented to the winner of the Indy 500 has a history almost as old as the race itself.

In the 1930s, Louis Meyer requested a bottle of buttermilk and was photographed drinking from the bottle.

In addition to the race itself, Forgey and Hill participated in the Indy 500 parade the day prior, where they rode on a float featuring a barn and the milk bottle.

Check out additional photos from the parade and race in the video below. Forgey, who wanted to educate producers in other states about Indiana dairy's involvement in the race, worked with the association and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to secure media passes for a few dairy magazines.

The media pass allowed me access to the garage area and track prior to the race. It was also interesting to learn how the process actually works. Forgey says each driver is asked ahead of time which milk they'd prefer: whole milk, 2 percent or skim. The milkmen carry around a list of those choices and are prepared with each kind of milk before entering the Winners Circle. Now three-time champion and 2012 Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti chose whole.  PD