Two-Time Indy 500 Winner Josef Newgarden Races to The Children’s Museum to Sign a Dino-Sized Milk Bottle Ahead of Indy 500
Josef Newgarden Visit
Indianapolis, IN
April 22, 2025
There’s only 33 days to go until the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is pulling out all the pit stops!
In anticipation of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, the museum decked out its iconic outdoor dinosaurs with brand-new Indy 500-themed decor – complete with a larger-than-life winner’s wreath and a dino-sized bottle of milk! The museum was thrilled to have the help of Josef Newgarden, two-time winner of the Indy 500, and J. Douglas Boles, president of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, for the unveiling on April 22.
Photos and videos from the day’s event, including behind the scenes footage, can be found here: https://platform.crowdriff.com/m/s-xhAF5n-v4g2mOXEs
“These dinosaurs are a great reminder that inspiration comes in many forms,” said Boles. “Just as the 500-mile race inspires a new generation of drivers, technicians and innovators, The Children's Museum fosters creativity and inspiration in young minds. The next Indy 500 winning driver, crew chief or engineer could be visiting The Children’s Museum today to learn more about science, math and technology.”
The Indianapolis 500 is steeped in tradition, and the new dino decor leans into two of the most popular ones. The museum was proud to work with florist Julie Vance of Buck Creek in Bloom – the creator of the annual BorgWarner Victory Lane wreath – to design the GIANT one for the outdoor dinosaurs. At 6 feet in diameter, the wreath includes 33 custom molded orchids and checkered flags.
The dino-sized milk bottle stands at over 7 feet tall and 3 feet wide, designed by the museum’s in-house design team. Winners have been drinking a bottle of milk after crossing the finish line since 1936, when Louis Meyer – a driver known for his love of buttermilk – asked for a glass of it upon winning. When Josef Newgarden won the Indy 500 in 2023 and 2024, he specifically requested to drink whole milk. This year, Josef became the first Indy 500 winner to sign the museum’s new dino-sized milk bottle, in celebration of his big wins!
“I know firsthand how important it is to dream big and push the limits of what’s possible, and that’s exactly what The Children's Museum encourages young minds to do,” said Newgarden. “We want children and families to know that with hard work, determination and a little imagination, your dreams – no matter how big or how small – can come true too.”
After, Josef spent some time in the outdoor Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience with publisher Red Racer Books to read his book, Josef’s BIG Dream, aloud with a school group. Josef’s BIG Dream and Goodnight Racetrack are available at the gift shop. Josef also waved the checkered flag at the Oval Track while the children pedaled around the track – and even got on a pedal car himself!
“As we count down to race day, we invite families to spend their days with us – right here at The Children's Museum on our pedal car track fully immersed in the excitement of INDYCAR,” said Jennifer Pace Robinson, president and CEO of The Children’s Museum. “We're excited for 100 more years of learning, racing, and inspiring the next generation of dreamers and champions.”
April 22, 2025
There’s only 33 days to go until the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is pulling out all the pit stops!
In anticipation of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, the museum decked out its iconic outdoor dinosaurs with brand-new Indy 500-themed decor – complete with a larger-than-life winner’s wreath and a dino-sized bottle of milk! The museum was thrilled to have the help of Josef Newgarden, two-time winner of the Indy 500, and J. Douglas Boles, president of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, for the unveiling on April 22.
Photos and videos from the day’s event, including behind the scenes footage, can be found here: https://platform.crowdriff.com/m/s-xhAF5n-v4g2mOXEs
“These dinosaurs are a great reminder that inspiration comes in many forms,” said Boles. “Just as the 500-mile race inspires a new generation of drivers, technicians and innovators, The Children's Museum fosters creativity and inspiration in young minds. The next Indy 500 winning driver, crew chief or engineer could be visiting The Children’s Museum today to learn more about science, math and technology.”
The Indianapolis 500 is steeped in tradition, and the new dino decor leans into two of the most popular ones. The museum was proud to work with florist Julie Vance of Buck Creek in Bloom – the creator of the annual BorgWarner Victory Lane wreath – to design the GIANT one for the outdoor dinosaurs. At 6 feet in diameter, the wreath includes 33 custom molded orchids and checkered flags.
The dino-sized milk bottle stands at over 7 feet tall and 3 feet wide, designed by the museum’s in-house design team. Winners have been drinking a bottle of milk after crossing the finish line since 1936, when Louis Meyer – a driver known for his love of buttermilk – asked for a glass of it upon winning. When Josef Newgarden won the Indy 500 in 2023 and 2024, he specifically requested to drink whole milk. This year, Josef became the first Indy 500 winner to sign the museum’s new dino-sized milk bottle, in celebration of his big wins!
“I know firsthand how important it is to dream big and push the limits of what’s possible, and that’s exactly what The Children's Museum encourages young minds to do,” said Newgarden. “We want children and families to know that with hard work, determination and a little imagination, your dreams – no matter how big or how small – can come true too.”
After, Josef spent some time in the outdoor Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience with publisher Red Racer Books to read his book, Josef’s BIG Dream, aloud with a school group. Josef’s BIG Dream and Goodnight Racetrack are available at the gift shop. Josef also waved the checkered flag at the Oval Track while the children pedaled around the track – and even got on a pedal car himself!
“As we count down to race day, we invite families to spend their days with us – right here at The Children's Museum on our pedal car track fully immersed in the excitement of INDYCAR,” said Jennifer Pace Robinson, president and CEO of The Children’s Museum. “We're excited for 100 more years of learning, racing, and inspiring the next generation of dreamers and champions.”
