Josef Newgarden's face shines again on Borg-Warner Trophy, but is he the greatest?

On December 4, 2024, in Indianapolis, the face of Josef Newgarden was unveiled for the second time on the prestigious Borg-Warner Trophy due to his impressive back-to-back victories at the Indianapolis 500. Newgarden, who drives for Team Penske, clinched his second Indianapolis 500 title on May 26, 2024, making him one of only a select group of drivers to achieve consecutive wins in this historic race. This achievement further solidified Team Penske's legacy, marking their 20th victory in the Indy 500. Notably, Newgarden joins the ranks of legendary drivers such as Wilbur Shaw, Mauri Rose, Bill Vukovich, Al Unser, and Helio Castroneves, who all experienced the honor of winning the iconic race in consecutive years. The Borg-Warner Trophy, first awarded in 1936, showcases likenesses of every winner since 1911 and stands at over 5 feet tall, weighing more than 110 pounds. Newgarden's addition marks the 111th individual face affixed to the trophy. Artists have painstakingly crafted each winner's likeness, and in Newgarden's case, the renowned sculptor Will Behrends undertook the process again in 2024, despite some delays due to Hurricane Helene affecting their region. Having his face cast in sterling silver is a notable achievement for any driver, illustrating not only individual victory but also the storied history of the Indianapolis 500. During the unveiling ceremony, Newgarden expressed his excitement and honor about seeing his second image on the trophy. He reminisced about his first victory, celebrating the tradition and significance of being on the trophy alongside previous winners. The dual representations of Newgarden’s face highlight the increasingly competitive nature of the sport and fuel his aspirations for future success, as he hopes to add a third face to the trophy soon. The event also underscores the importance of Newgarden's relationship with Team Penske and their collective accomplishments in the sport. This relationship continues to flourish as Newgarden prepares to receive the BorgWarner Championship Driver’s Trophy, also referred to as the 'Baby Borg,' which is a miniature version of the prestigious Borg-Warner Trophy. This honor emphasizes not just individual talent but also the effective collaboration within the team, setting the stage for exciting prospects in the upcoming racing seasons.