Top 5 Reasons We're Excited for the Indy 500

tune in aug. 23 on nbc

With the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has brought many changes to the world of motorsports – including the iconic Indy 500.  For the first time in history, the Indy 500 did not take place on Memorial Day Weekend but instead will run in August with no fans. While the Indy 500 will look much different this year, we’re happy that the tradition will continue. Read on for the top 5 reasons we’re excited for the Indy 500!      

1.) Watching Our Big Machine Vodka Drivers

We’ll be cheering on our Big Machine Vodka drivers, Santino Ferrucci and Tony Kanaan! Both drivers are in exciting stages of their respective careers with newcomer Ferrucci racing his second ever Indy 500 and Kanaan striving for his second Indy 500 win. Kanaan has entered his final season that’s been fondly named “TK’s Last Lap” and recently announced he will continue racing into 2021 as many races have taken place without fans in attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Tony Kanaan has established himself as a beloved and distinguished athlete in the world of motorsports. Not only was he the winner of the Indy 500 in 2012, he was the NTT Indycar Series Champion in 2004 too. He was also voted Most Popular Driver in 2013. We’re proud to play a role in Tony’s career!

2.) Big Machine Hand Sanitizer is the official sanitizer of the Indy 500

When we’re not busy distilling the “Smoothest Tasting Vodka, Period,” we’re hard at work making high quality, customer-favorite Big Machine hand sanitizer. We were recently named the Official Hand Sanitizer of the Indy 500 and have been shipping to thousands of customers nationwide. Make sure you visit our website to check out all the sanitizer sizes and packages we have available. We started making this sanitizer in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and are proud to continue serving our customers during these challenging times.

3.) Watching the Race on NBC

Although nothing compares to watching the race at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, we’re looking forward to watching the race on NBC! Stay safe by setting up a Zoom call with your friends and family so that you can watch the race together. We’ll also be hosting a virtual viewing party – make sure you keep an eye on our Instagram (@bigmachinevodka) for more details!

4.) Fans Enjoying #BigMachineVodka at home!

What’s a sporting event without refreshments? Make sure you’re prepared to make amazing cocktails with Big Machine Vodka! You can visit our website as well as our Instagram page for some great recipes including our favorite, the Big Machine Watermelon Mule. Check out our website map to see where Big Machine Vodka is available near you and make sure you tag us in your cocktail photos on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

5.) Celebrating the Spirit of Racing

Even with these changes due to COVID-19, we’re excited to see that the race’s beloved traditions will still take place. We’ll still see the winner drinking milk (a tradition started in the 1930s after driver Louis Meyer asked for a glass of buttermilk after winning the race) and, of course, hear “Back Home Again in Indiana” before the race, this year performed by Jim Cornelison. We love the spirit and excitement that comes along with racing. From the drivers to the fans and every team member in between, it’s clear that people are passionate about motorsports and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be involved in the sport. Though 2020 has brought changes – we look forward to a successful race (and many more in the future) as we move towards a new normal.