Josef Newgarden Receives Second Baby Borg Trophy at Henry Ford Museum Ceremony
Roger Penske Secures 3rd Consecutive NASCAR Championship: A Near-Perfect 2024 Motorsports Season”>Josef Newgarden Receives Second Baby Borg Trophy in Historic Ceremony at Henry Ford Museum
DEARBORN, Mich. — Josef Newgarden, the 2024 Indianapolis 500 champion, was honored with his second Championship Driver’s Trophy™ during a special ceremony at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation on Jan. 16. The event celebrated Newgarden’s back-to-back victories at the iconic race, solidifying his place among motorsport legends.
Affectionately known as the “Baby Borg,” the 20-inch trophy is a miniature replica of the famed Borg-Warner Trophy. It features Newgarden’s name, team details, average speed, and a meticulously crafted sterling silver likeness of the two-time Indy 500 winner.
“Presenting the Baby Borg trophies is an exciting tradition we look forward to every year, and it being back-to-back wins for Josef and the 20th win for Roger (Penske) makes it even more special,” said Joseph Fadool, chief operating officer of BorgWarner. “Both of these men’s legacies will live on in the world of racing, but the personalized trophies serve as commemorative keepsakes, showcasing their dedication and success.”
Newgarden’s second sculpted likeness was unveiled in December 2024 during a ceremony in downtown Indianapolis. The Borg-Warner Trophy, commissioned in 1936, now features 111 faces of Indy 500 champions, with Newgarden joining an elite group of drivers. The “Baby Borg” tradition began in 1988, followed by the Championship Team Owner’s Trophy in 1998.
Team Penske owner Roger Penske was also honored at the event, receiving the Championship Team Owner’s Trophy to mark his record-breaking 20th Indy 500 victory. Penske, the most successful owner in the race’s history, has seen his teams dominate the competition across six decades, beginning with Mark Donohue’s win in 1972. Newgarden joins racing legends Rick Mears and Helio Castroneves as the only drivers to win multiple Indy 500s under Penske’s banner.
Newgarden’s 2024 victory placed him in rare company, making him just the sixth driver in history to win back-to-back Indy 500s. He now stands alongside names like Wilbur Shaw, Mauri Rose, Bill Vukovich, Al Unser, and Castroneves. With his sights set on the 2025 race, Newgarden aims to become the first driver to achieve three consecutive Indy 500 wins.
Fans eager to witness history in the making can secure tickets for the 109th Indianapolis 500, scheduled for Sunday, May 25, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race will be broadcast live on FOX and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
As the racing world looks ahead to another thrilling season, Newgarden’s achievements and Penske’s enduring legacy continue to inspire, proving that dedication, skill, and innovation remain the cornerstones of motorsport excellence.
Josef Newgarden’s second Baby Borg Trophy ceremony at the henry Ford Museum of American Innovation was more than a party of his back-to-back Indianapolis 500 victories—it was a testament to his relentless drive, precision, and passion for motorsport. By etching his name alongside racing legends, Newgarden has not only secured his legacy in the annals of IndyCar history but also inspired a new generation of drivers to chase greatness. as the Championship Driver’s Trophy™ gleamed under the museum’s historic lights, the moment served as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of innovation and determination that defines both Newgarden and the sport he represents. With two Baby Borgs now in his possession, the question is no longer if Newgarden will continue to make history, but how many more chapters he will add to his extraordinary career.
Josef Newgarden’s receipt of his second baby Borg Trophy at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation marks a defining moment in his already illustrious career. Back-to-back victories at the Indianapolis 500 not only cement his status as one of the sport’s elite drivers but also underscore his relentless drive for excellence. The meticulously crafted trophy, bearing his sterling silver likeness, serves as a timeless testament to his skill, determination, and the unwavering support of Team Penske. As Newgarden’s legacy continues to grow, his achievements stand as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of motorsport enthusiasts. This historic ceremony not only celebrates a remarkable individual but also honors the enduring spirit of innovation and competition that defines the Indianapolis 500 and the world of motorsports. With his name now etched twice on the Borg-Warner Trophy, Josef newgarden has secured his place among the legends of racing history.