On a night brimming with racing tradition, Josef Newgarden and Roger Penske were the stars as they took home miniature replicas of the Indianapolis 500's iconic trophy. During an awards ceremony at The Henry Ford Museum in Michigan, BorgWarner honored the 2023 Indy 500 champion and his car’s owner with the 'Baby Borg' trophies, symbolizing their triumph in one of motorsport’s most coveted events last May, according to a report by DBusiness.
The sterling silver trophies, which stand 20 inches tall and weigh five pounds, are scaled-down versions of the Borg-Warner Trophy. Sculptor William Behrends was commissioned to create Newgarden’s likeness in sterling silver, which now adorns the miniature trophy. This particular honor holds significant sentimental value for Newgarden, who recalled "drinking the milk and seeing my face on the Borg-Warner Trophy to now accepting my Baby Borg alongside Roger Penske, it has all been better than I ever imagined," he said, per Motorsport. Newgarden managed to quickly become one of only three drivers to overcome a last-lap pass to claim victory, etching his place in racing history.
Penske, a man well-accustomed to success, proudly accepted the Championship Team Owner’s Trophy, marking his team's 19th win - a record in the racing world. "It takes a total team effort to win the Indianapolis 500 and it is my honor to receive our team's 19th Baby Borg trophy on behalf of all the hard-working men and women at Team Penske," Penske stated, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that drives their success. The symbolism of the award resonates deeply within the motorsport community as it reflects the team effort fundamental to achieving such an esteemed victory, as per BorgWarner.
BorgWarner has been the name behind the Indy 500's centerpiece trophy since 1936 and began the tradition of the 'Baby Borg' in 1988, celebrating each year's winner. Frédéric Lissalde, President and CEO of BorgWarner, expressed pride in bestowing the emblematic prize, saying, "This keepsake commemorates Josef's skilled driving, tenacity, passion for the sport and incredible finish at the 2023 race and was something we were honored to present to him." Both the historic Borg-Warner Trophy and the No. 2 Chevrolet driven by Newgarden will continue to be featured in The Henry Ford Museum's 'Driven to Win: Racing in America' exhibit until February 2, showcasing the team's achievements and the grueling race that is the Indianapolis 500, as per Motorsport.
