Indianapolis 500 Winner Trophy Unveiling

Although it was a cool December night in Indianapolis, the weather did not chill the excitement of 2024 Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden as he viewed his likeness on the Borg-Warner Trophy. This was the first time the two-time Indy 500 winner viewed his 2024 likeness on the trophy. The Nashville, Tennessee native drove the #2 Shell Chevrolet-powered Team Penske car to victory, passing Patricio O’Ward in the final lap. Given he is also the 2023 Indy 500 winner, it is the second time his likeness has appeared on this historic trophy. He is one of only six drivers to win back-to-back Indy 500 victories.

Josef Newgarden looks over his likeness on the Borg-Warner Trophy, playfully, vocalizing he has a ‘few more lines on his face Vs. last year’s.

Introduced in 1936, the Borg-Warner Trophy is awarded annually to the Indianapolis 500 winners and now displays 111 driver faces (co-winners in ’41, race not held 1917-18, 1942-45). North Carolina based sculptor Will Behrends created Newgarden’s image as he has sculpted every winner since 1990. Each sterling silver likeness is unique, even back-to-back winners. Usually, the winning driver visits Behrends’ North Carolina design studio for a sitting. Unfortunately, Hurricane Helene prohibited traveling to the area, so the ‘sitting’ was held virtually.

Newgarden is one of only six drivers to win back-to-back Indy 500 victories.

Newgarden ended by thanking his crew and family for all their support. He indicated his 2025 goal is “to become the first driver to win three consecutive Indianapolis 500s.” Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles closed the event, letting the crowd know, “The 2025 Indy 500 is less than 170 days away!”