A wreath is placed around the Indianapolis 500 winner’s neck in Victory Lane. The floral wreath is one of the race’s distinctive post-race traditions, appearing alongside the Borg-Warner Trophy and the champion’s celebrated bottle of milk.
The wreath traditionally contains 33 lilies, representing the 33 drivers who make up the Indianapolis 500 starting field. It is presented during the Victory Lane celebration immediately after the winner completes the race and drives from the track. The ceremony also includes interviews and celebrations with the winning team’s crew and owners.
The wreath is easy to confuse with other racing symbols. Indianapolis winners do not receive a crown or sash, and the Borg-Warner Trophy is presented to the event rather than worn by the driver. The race also differs from many motorsport events because it does not use a conventional first-, second-, and third-place podium ceremony for the top finishers.
Victory Lane itself has moved several times, including relocations in 1971, 1986, and 1994. The floral wreath, milk, and trophy remain among the most recognizable elements of the Indianapolis 500’s winner’s celebration.