1936 Louis Meyer crosses the finish line three miles ahead of the second place finisher to win his third Indy 500, the first driver to manage a hat-trick of wins. His previous triumphs came in 1928 and 1933. Also this year Louis Meyer became the first driver to drink milk in the victory lane, a tradition that has carried on with milk presented each year since then – apart from 1947 to 1955. Modern drivers are offered a choice of whole, 2%, and skim. Meyer also became the first driver to receive the pace car for his winning effort. The Borg-Warner Trophy also made its first appearance.

Photograph: AP