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The 2012 Fastest Rookie

The American Dairy Association of Indiana has been the sponsor of the Fastest Rookie Luncheon since it began in 1975.  Deb Osza with the ADAI says it’s a great opportunity to explain milk’s importance to the Indy 500 to the new crop of drivers.  “It’s great to have milk in the spotlight – to have race fans around the world to see milk in that light as ‘The Coolest Prize in the Sports World’,” she says.

This year’s Fastest Rookie was Josef Newgarden with a speed of 224.677.  The 22-year-old driver from Hendersonville, TN said he didn’t even realize he was the fastest rookie. 

“This really means a lot for myself and for my team,” he says, “it show the hard work from the crew through the entire group.”  Newgarden tells Brownfield, “You can really feel the tradition here at the Fastest Rookie Luncheon with the American Dairy Association of Indiana and all they put into this and all that they do for the race.” 

He says, “This is a fantastic race and this award makes it even better.” Newgarden was awarded a $5,000 prize and his name engraved on a trophy on permanent display in the Speedway’s Hall of Fame Museum.