Josef Newgarden's Victory Celebrated with New Addition to Borg-Warner Trophy

Celebrating a Legacy: Josef Newgarden's Triumph at the Indy 500

On December 4, 2024, a momentous occasion took place as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted a spectacular celebration to honor racing superstar Josef Newgarden. This event marked the unveiling of his sterling silver likeness, which has been newly affixed to the illustrious Borg-Warner Trophy. With a history steeped in tradition, the Borg-Warner Trophy has become synonymous with excellence in the world of motorsports, celebrating the achievements of the finest drivers in the Indy 500’s long history.

Josef Newgarden's victory at the 108th Indianapolis 500 is particularly special, as he became the first driver since Helio Castroneves in 2002 to claim back-to-back wins at this prestigious event, solidifying his place in racing history. This achievement also marked a significant milestone for Team Penske, with owner Roger Penske celebrating his 20th victory in the Indianapolis 500, a testament to the team's remarkable legacy in the sport.

During the celebration, Michelle Collins, BorgWarner's Global Director of Marketing and Public Relations, expressed profound admiration for Newgarden's accomplishment. She stated, "The Borg-Warner Trophy symbolizes more than just excellence on the racetrack; it represents the time-honored traditions of the Indianapolis 500 and pays homage to the champions of the past." Recognizing Newgarden's dedication and passion, Collins extended her heartfelt congratulations on behalf of everyone at BorgWarner, highlighting the significance of his back-to-back wins.

The artistic process behind the creation of Newgarden’s likeness was spearheaded by William Behrends, the sculptor responsible for the faces on the Borg-Warner Trophy since 1990. For this project, Behrends began from scratch, utilizing a collection of 360-degree photographs of Newgarden to create a new full-size recreation of the champion driver. This meticulous process included sculpting with oil-based clay, creating a mold, and eventually casting the piece in sterling silver, which was polished to perfection before being affixed to the trophy.

Reflecting on this moment, Newgarden shared his excitement, stating, "The Borg-Warner Trophy is as iconic as it gets in professional sports, and seeing my likeness represented on it will never get old." He emphasized a strong connection with Behrends, praising his attention to detail, a quality that any racecar driver can appreciate. Newgarden expressed hope for further historical achievements in the coming year, looking forward to potentially collaborating with Behrends again.

Newgarden’s latest Indy 500 win took place under dramatic circumstances. On May 26, 2024, nearly 240,000 eager fans braved a four-hour rain delay to witness an intense battle on the track. In the final eight laps, Newgarden and his competitor Pato O-Ward exchanged the lead four times. Ultimately, Newgarden clinched victory in a spectacular last lap pass during Turn 3, joining an exclusive group of champions known for similar thrilling finishes. Notably, this is just the second time in history that a driver has achieved back-to-back victories at the Indy 500.

As a fitting conclusion to this illustrious chapter, early next year, Newgarden will be honored with his second Championship Driver's Trophy, affectionately known as a Baby Borg, featuring the same sterling silver image introduced at the unveiling event. Meanwhile, Team Penske and Roger Penske will celebrate his monumental achievement with a Championship Team Owner's Trophy, commemorating his incredible legacy in the Indianapolis 500.

In a world where speed, skill, and precision reign supreme, BorgWarner continues to play an integral role in the motorsport community, embodying a commitment to innovation and excellence. For over 130 years, BorgWarner has remained at the forefront of automotive change, leading the charge towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future. This celebration of Newgarden’s remarkable achievements only reinforces their dedication to recognizing and honoring the legends of racing.

As the racing community looks ahead to future Indy 500 events, one thing is certain — Josef Newgarden will forever hold a special place in its history, celebrated not only for his unmatched skill on the track but also for the indelible mark he leaves through his participation in the sport’s grand traditions.