Auburn Hills, MI, Jan 18: BorgWarner celebrated the remarkable achievements of Josef Newgarden and Roger Penske at a recent ceremony, awarding them the coveted Baby Borg Trophies for their victories in the 2024 Indianapolis 500.
Celebrating Racing Excellence
On January 17, 2025, at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, BorgWarner presented Josef Newgarden with his second Championship Driver's Trophy, affectionately known as the 'Baby Borg.' This 20-inch miniature trophy, which symbolizes victory at the iconic race, features Newgarden's name, his team, average speed, and a sculpted sterling silver likeness.
Joseph Fadool, Chief Operating Officer of BorgWarner, expressed excitement over the tradition of presenting these trophies. "It's a thrilling moment for us each year, especially with Josef's back-to-back wins and Roger's 20th victory," he remarked. "These personalized trophies are not just awards; they are lasting tributes to their commitment and success in racing."
A Legacy of Champions
Newgarden's likeness was added to the prestigious Borg-Warner Trophy, a symbol of Indianapolis 500 greatness since its commissioning in 1936. The trophy now features Newgarden as the 111th driver in history. The Baby Borg was first introduced in 1988 and has become a cherished symbol of achievement in motorsport.
Reflecting on his recent win, Newgarden said, "Winning the Indy 500 back-to-back was beyond my wildest dreams. It takes tremendous effort from my team to achieve this success. I'm looking forward to returning to Indy and aiming for a third consecutive win."
Penske's Historic Achievement
In addition to Newgarden's honor, Team Penske owner Roger Penske was recognized with the Championship Team Owner's Trophy for his remarkable 20th Indy 500 win. Penske stands as the most successful owner in the event's history, with victories spanning six decades since his first win in 1972 with Mark Donohue.
Penske shared his pride in the team's accomplishments, stating, "Our greatest asset is our human capital--the knowledge and experience of our team. Being associated with the Borg-Warner Trophy is incredibly special, knowing the dedication involved in achieving this level of success."
Aiming for History
With his latest victory, Newgarden joins an elite group of drivers who have won back-to-back Indy 500s, including racing legends like Wilbur Shaw and Al Unser. He now sets his sights on making history by becoming the first driver to secure three consecutive Indy 500 wins in 2025.
About BorgWarner
BorgWarner has been a leader in mobility innovation for over 130 years, committed to sustainability and shaping a cleaner, safer future for all.
