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155-487: Josef Newgarden won the 2024 Indianapolis 500 , and is the current reigning champion. Each year, the winning driver is presented with a miniature replica ("Baby Borg") during a reception, which for the 2019 race was presented in early September, about three months after the race. Prior to the trophy's inception, the Strauss Trophy (first awarded in 1919) was once presented to the winner. The Wheeler-Schebler Trophy

310-484: A YouTube channel on which he posts vlogs and behind the scenes content of his IndyCar race weekends. The channel also features a now discontinued video series with his Penske teammate Scott McLaughlin titled Bus Bros . Along with fellow racers Tony Kanaan and Helio Castroneves , he competed in the Indianapolis round of season 8 of American Ninja Warrior in 2016. Newgarden is the driver ambassador for

465-589: A blunt trauma to his head. He was the first driver to be killed in IndyCar competition since Paul Dana died in an accident during practice for the 2006 Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead–Miami Speedway. On 22 October, Wheldon was given a funeral at the First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg attended by almost 1,000 mourners. Fellow drivers Franchitti, Dixon, Kanaan and Wheldon's three brothers acted as pall-bearers . The next day, IndyCar held

620-486: A $ 383,400 lawsuit against Barnes in Marion County Superior Court on 18 August for late payment of his salary and of his share of earnings from his on-track achievements as well as taxation issues. The two reached a settlement on 1 October. Wheldon did not have a full-time seat for the 2011 season , and he missed the season's first four races as he sought employment with another team to compete in

775-477: A 6th-place finish at the 2016 GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma, he finished the season in fourth place overall in the season standings, the highest non-Team Penske car in the series. On September 29, 2016, ECR owner Ed Carpenter confirmed that Newgarden would not be back with the team in 2017. Newgarden moved to Team Penske for the 2017 season, with the team making an official announcement on October 5. Newgarden won his first race with Team Penske during round 3 of

930-399: A base in 1986, the trophy's weight, height, and stability became an issue with displaying it on top of the car. At least two men were required to balance the trophy behind the driver. Since about 2004, when the trophy was expanded with the newer base, it is no longer hoisted behind the driver. Initially, the now-heavier trophy was displayed next to the car. However, the trophy was often mired in

1085-414: A career high in wins in a season with five; winning Texas, Long Beach , Road America, Iowa, and Gateway. This would be the most wins by an IndyCar driver in one season since 2016, when former teammate Simon Pagenaud won five races. Newgarden's best finish on the season outside of his five wins was a fourth place at Detroit, putting him in a deficit for the championship heading into the season finale. At

1240-509: A coffee table book of photographs of his life, called Lionheart in 2010. Wheldon began go-kart racing at the age of four but did not partake in competitive racing until he was eight due to age limits. He drove a self-built 60cc kart during the intervals before switching to a 100cc kart later on. Wheldon was inspired by racing driver Nigel Mansell , and he was sponsored by All Kart owner Bruno Ferrari and his father helped to better his son's driving ability at Rye House Kart Circuit . He won

1395-523: A favourite amongst motor racing fans and the media, despite being unrecognisable in England due to Formula One being the country's most popular motor racing series. Wheldon was a keen learner, and was focused on accomplishing his objectives. Two days after his death, Dallara named their new one-specification chassis in Wheldon's honour. The DW12 , with the new bumper/ nerf bar section being featured,

1550-588: A fifth at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach . At the Indianapolis 500 , Wheldon qualified in eighteenth and finished second. The rest of Wheldon's season saw him achieve a best finish of fourth at Iowa Speedway and three top-tens. He did not attain those results in seven of the last eight races. He was tenth in the championship standings with 354 points, his lowest finish since he placed eleventh in 2003. Wheldon remained with Panther Racing for

1705-407: A fifth-place finish with three wins. Newgarden earned his second Championship in 2019 with four wins and seven podium finishes. During the 2020, 2021, and 2022 seasons, he produced four, two, and five wins respectively, finishing second each year. Newgarden won the inaugural PeopleReady Force for Good Challenge in 2022 by winning on an oval, road course, and street circle. In 2023, Newgarden swept

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1860-459: A hole to rival Scott Dixon. By mid-season and toward the final stretch he produced a series of wins and podium finishes that set him up for a title-deciding showdown with Dixon at the final round in St. Petersburg. Newgarden could only win the championship if he won the race and Dixon either retired or finished no better than ninth. During the race, Newgarden overtook Pato O'Ward in the closing laps after

2015-495: A period that has seen him win almost half of the oval races IndyCar has raced in that time, has earned him the nickname The Oval King . On road and street courses, Newgarden is known for making successful outside line passes, leading to some pundits and fellow drivers to nickname this tactic the Josef Newgarden Move . Newgarden has been known to race his teammates harder than other IndyCar drivers, and has been at

2170-439: A pit stop to replace a puncture on the 183rd lap. Wheldon achieved eight top-ten finishes and two pole positions (at Kansas Speedway and Nashville Speedway ), and entered the season's final round at Chicagoland Speedway as one of four drivers in contention for the championship. Wheldon won the race but lost the championship on tiebreak to Sam Hornish Jr, who had won four races to Wheldon's two. Wheldon remained with CGR for

2325-405: A prominent and more visible presence during the celebration. Two or more safety patrol workers are assigned with guarding and transporting the trophy during the month of May. It is polished often, and polished several times during the month of May. In contrast to the earlier years, the trophy is almost exclusively polished and buffed to an elegant, glossy, "mirror finish." During routine times of

2480-639: A public memorial service for him at Conseco Fieldhouse (now Gainbridge Fieldhouse) in Indianapolis attended by members of the motor racing community and his family and fans. A second memorial service for Wheldon took place at the All Saints' Church in his home town of Emberton on 6 November. He is buried at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Clearwater, Florida . Three days after the accident, series' organisers with assistance from

2635-468: A qualifying time because his car did not pass a technical inspection; he finished 14th. On the morning of 16 October, he signed a multi-year contract to replace Patrick at Andretti Autosport from 2012 on. Wheldon made his endurance racing debut at the 2005 24 Hours of Daytona , sharing the No. 2 Howard-Boss Motorsports Pontiac Crawford DP03 with Dario Franchitti, Marino Franchitti and Milka Duno in

2790-515: A race seat for the 2007 season; he also felt emotionally attached to the United States. Wheldon also turned down an offer to compete for Great Britain in the inaugural A1 Grand Prix season . In 2006, Wheldon returned to compete in the season-opening 24 Hours of Daytona for Chip Ganassi Racing with Scott Dixon and Casey Mears in the DP class. The trio won overall, completing 734 laps in

2945-408: A restart and held onto the lead for his second consecutive win in St. Petersburg but ultimately failed to defend his title when Dixon finished third. 2021 would be an up-and-down year for Newgarden and Team Penske. Despite earning a season leading four pole positions, he would not pick up a win until the tenth round of the season at Mid Ohio. The win was Newgarden's nineteenth in IndyCar, making him

3100-407: A season. Two races later, at Chicagoland Speedway, he led a race-high 88 laps to surpass Hornish's series record with his sixth win of the year. Wheldon won the championship before starting the season's penultimate round by setting a single practice lap of Watkins Glen International . Since the last place finisher scored 12 points, his 102-point lead clinched the title with one race remaining. With

3255-539: A second Panther Racing car fell through, Andretti Green Racing (AGR) co-owner Kim Green contacted Wheldon in October and asked him to test its IRL car and develop its Honda engine at Homestead–Miami Speedway the following month. Wheldon was signed to be the team's test driver in November as they sought sponsorship to enable his participation in the 2003 season . The lack of sponsorship prevented him from starting

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3410-627: A sixth-place finish at the season-closing California Speedway round, Wheldon won the championship with 628 points. He was awarded the 2005 Autosport British Competition Driver of the Year. When Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) owner Chip Ganassi was informed of rumours that Wheldon might leave AGR, he engaged in informal discussions with him, which led to an agreement in principle at a meeting in August 2005. His AGR contract expired on 31 October and formal discussions began soon after. CGR resigned Wheldon for

3565-520: A wall in which each of the winners of the race was etched. Four months later, Autosport magazine named Wheldon one of the 50 greatest drivers to have never raced in Formula One. The Wheldons were honoured with the "Dan and Susie Wheldon Make a Difference Award" in September 2014. This included a $ 1,000 donation to charity and became part of the annual IndyCar Series prize-giving banquet. During

3720-620: Is also located across from the Salvador Dalí Museum . Franchitti won the 2012 Indianapolis 500 on 27 May and dedicated his victory to Wheldon and wore white sunglasses in his honour. That year Wheldon was memorialised by a resolution passed by the Indiana Senate . A memorial plaque featuring his likeness and career achievements was unveiled in St. Petersburg outside the second turn of its street track in March 2013 and

3875-519: Is alternated with the faces in a checkerboard pattern, evoking a checkered flag . Included on the base is the gold likeness of Tony Hulman , owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 1945 to 1977. On the top of the trophy is an unclothed man waving a checkered flag. Because this man is depicted naked, after the traditional depiction of athletes in ancient Greek art, the trophy is most often photographed at an angle so that

4030-673: Is depicted in the cover art of the Atari video game Indy 500 , in the Midway pinball machine Indianapolis 500 , and on the cover art for the Papyrus IndyCar Racing Indianapolis Motor Speedway Expansion Pack. When the trophy debuted in 1936, it was complete with the likenesses of all winners from 1911 to 1935 (except 1917–1918, as the race was not held those two years due to World War I ). Sculptor John Grawe created

4185-597: Is featured in the game and he is featured in Forza content. He was featured on several episodes of CMT 's Nashville Squares during the fall of 2019. Points only counted towards the Michelin Endurance Cup, and not the overall LMP2 Championship. Dan Wheldon Daniel Clive Wheldon (22 June 1978 – 16 October 2011) was a British motor racing driver who won the 2005 IndyCar Series Drivers' Championship for Andretti Green Racing (AGR). He won

4340-525: Is half Danish via his mother, and on his YouTube channel that he holds a Danish passport. He credits watching racing on TV at an early age with his father, who was an avid fan of NASCAR, IndyCar and Formula 1, as what got him into the sport. Newgarden grew up in Hendersonville, Tennessee , and attended Pope John Paul II High School , where he was friends with and a former classmate of NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver Golden Tate . Additionally, he

4495-484: Is hollow, and the dome -shaped top is removable. From 1936 to 1985, the trophy appeared in its original form, with the bottom rim of the body serving as its stand. The original body had room for 70 winners of the Indy 500, and was destined to fill up after the 1986 winner was affixed. During the early years, the trophy was polished often for protection, but appeared too seldom be buffed to a glossy "mirror finish" and often

4650-486: Is nearly identical to the driver's trophy, except it is mounted upon a round base. Multiple owner's trophies are presented if there are co-owners to the winning team. The bas-relief likenesses from the main trophy are not replicated on the Baby Borgs, nor is the cylindrical base of the main trophy (the first of which was added in 1986). In some years, a duplicate of the sculpted likeness of the winner has been affixed to

4805-486: The 2004 championship . He won the drivers' title in 2005 with the record for most victories (including that year's Indianapolis 500) during a season. In the 2006 season , he moved to CGR, tying Sam Hornish Jr. in points but finishing second because of count-back on the number of victories taken by both drivers. During the 2007 and 2008 seasons, Wheldon's form lowered but he won four additional races to place fourth overall in both years. He returned to Panther Racing for

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4960-601: The 2005 season , Wheldon again drove for AGR. He started from eleventh to lead a race-high 158 of 200 laps of the Homestead–Miami Speedway season-opener to win. After that, Wheldon went on to win consecutive races at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (his first road course series win), and the Indy Japan 300 for the second successive year. His season highlight was the Indianapolis 500 where he exchanged

5115-556: The 2006 season and the team changed manufacturers from Panoz to Dallara and engine suppliers to Honda after Toyota withdrew. Wheldon made the switch because he wanted to ensure his stay in the IRL and remain competitive. To begin the season, Wheldon won the Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead–Miami Speedway. At the Indianapolis 500 , he qualified in third place, and led a race-high 148 laps before falling to fourth because he had to make

5270-499: The 2007 season . He began the season with pole position at the season-opening XM Satellite Radio Indy 300 at Homestead–Miami Speedway, and led 177 of 200 laps to win his third successive event at the track, a new series record. Wheldon went on to lead a race-high 177 laps to win the Kansas Lottery Indy 300 at Kansas Speedway, his second of the season. After qualifying sixth for the Indianapolis 500 , he retired from

5425-472: The 2009 and 2010 seasons, failing to win a race but taking a further four podium results during this period. Wheldon left the team at the conclusion of the season. He drove part-time for Bryan Herta Autosport and later Sam Schmidt Motorsports in the 2011 season. He won his second Indianapolis 500 in May of that year. At the season-ending IZOD IndyCar World Championship at Las Vegas Motor Speedway , Wheldon

5580-406: The 2010 season . During the season-opening São Paulo Indy 300 , he made contact with Alex Tagliani , which sent him into Kanaan; he recovered to finish fifth. Three races later at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach , Wheldon took a second top-ten result with a ninth. In the Indianapolis 500 , Wheldon started from eighteenth. He advanced through the field on pit stop strategy to come second for

5735-401: The 2015 Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama , moving from 5th to 2nd on the first lap of the race, and leading the most laps on the way to a 2.2-second win. He would win again later in the season at the 2015 Honda Indy Toronto and finished the 2015 season 7th in the standings with 431 points. Sarah Fisher ended her participation in IndyCar after the 2015 season, with Newgarden remaining with

5890-568: The 2016 Kobalt 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, pit lane reporter Jamie Little and motorsport publicist Brent Brush placed a Dan Wheldon Memorial plaque outside turn two, near the point where he was killed. In May 2016, a book on his life and career with contributions from the motor racing community entitled Lionheart: Remembering Dan Wheldon was published. Wheldon was inducted into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame in May 2019. His death and legacy are

6045-408: The 2023 and 2024 Indianapolis 500 , and the 2024 24 Hours of Daytona , becoming the 16th driver to win both an Indy 500 and a 24 Hours of Daytona, as well as the first driver since Helio Castroneves to win the Indianapolis 500 two years in a row. Newgarden began racing at 13 in karts , capturing four championship titles in 2005–2006.  He switched to open-wheel racing in 2006, competing in

6200-411: The 2024 Indianapolis 500 becoming the first driver in over twenty years to win the Indianapolis 500 back-to-back. According to an interview on The Dale Jr. Download , Newgarden's first race vehicle was a motorized scooter purchased at a skate shop in Hendersonville, Tennessee . In 2001, Newgarden competed in events across the country. After a year of this, his father purchased a kart . When he

6355-464: The American Dream ." Although he had a brash and confident persona that made him "cocky yet likeable", journalist Maurice Hamilton noted that Wheldon was seen by many as "a devoted family man, deeply respected and universally liked despite, or perhaps because of, a cheeky sense of self-awareness and a clever cultivation of his image". He had charisma, a sense of humour and warmth that made him

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6510-617: The Automobile Competition Committee for the United States , the United States' national governing body of motor racing, and motorsport's world governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile , began subjecting the race to a full investigation. The results of the investigation into Wheldon's death were released on 15 December 2011. According to the report, there was no single cause for Wheldon's crash. Contributing factors included

6665-924: The Brands Hatch , Silverstone and Oulton Park races and taking seven top-three results to finish second overall. The following year, Wheldon was fourth in both the British Formula Ford Championship and the European Formula Ford Championship for Andy Welch Racing, with three victories in the British series. He was named a finalist for the McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award in 1996 and 1997. Wheldon improved to third in those two series with

6820-564: The British Formula Renault Championship . At the suggestion of his former team principal and car manufacturer Ralph Firman Sr. , he flew to the United States in January 1999 to test a Formula Ford 2000 car. Wheldon also observed an Indy Lights and Toyota Atlantic test session for future preparation. His funding was provided by Jayhard/Primus Racing owner Jon Baytos and Van Diemen. He competed in

6975-539: The Daytona Prototype (DP) class. Their car finished 16th in its class and 33rd overall after Duno crashed with less than six hours to go. In the 2005 off-season, he competed as a wild card entrant in the 2005 Race of Champions , being eliminated from the round of 16 by Sébastien Bourdais . That year, he was offered a test driver role with BMW's Formula One squad by team principal Mario Theissen . He declined when he discovered that he would not be assured

7130-622: The Indianapolis 500 in 2005 and 2011 , and was co-winner of the 2006 24 Hours of Daytona with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR). Wheldon began competitive karting at the age of eight and achieved early success, before progressing to open-wheel car racing in the U.S. F2000 National Championship , the Toyota Atlantic Championship and Indy Lights . He began driving in IndyCar with Panther Racing in 2002. The following year, Wheldon moved to AGR, finishing as runner-up in

7285-530: The Indianapolis 500 . Talks with several teams, including with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing co-owner Robbie Buhl to share a car with Mike Conway fell through. He then spoke to his friend and former AGR teammate Bryan Herta who offered to assemble a car from his own low-budget operation, Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA), for Wheldon and he agreed. He drove a Dallara car from 2003 leased to Herta by BHA's technical partner Sam Schmidt Motorsports and Curb-Agajanian Motorsports . He qualified in sixth place; in

7440-524: The IndyCar Series , earning his first career win in 2015 at Barber Motorsports Park followed by a win at Toronto . In 2016, Newgarden captured his third win at Iowa , where he led 282 of 300 laps and set a series record for most laps led in a race. Newgarden joined Team Penske in 2017, scoring his first win with the team in his third start. He earned four wins and nine podiums in 2017, capturing his first IndyCar Series Championship. 2018 saw

7595-683: The Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway , in Newgarden's hometown of Nashville . On December 5, 2022, Newgarden announced that he would be teaming up with fellow Team Penske IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin and Indy NXT driver Kyffin Simpson would be entering the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona with an LMP2 entry. Newgarden would return later in the year at the Petit Le Mans driving for Porsche Penske Motorsport driving

7750-556: The RoadRunner Turbo Indy 300 at Kansas Speedway three races later, becoming IndyCar's first driver to claim two consecutive victories at the track. He started second in the Indianapolis 500 finishing ten places lower in twelfth due to handling problems in the final 50 laps. Wheldon took his second (and final) victory of the season in the Iowa Corn Indy 250 at Iowa Speedway . He donated his winnings to help

7905-615: The SeriousFun Children's Network , a charity started by actor and race team owner Paul Newman . Newgarden is also a ping-pong player. He hosts an annual celebrity tournament during May that raises funds for the Serious Fun Children's Network. In 2019, the tournament raised over $ 100,000 for the charity. Newgarden is a gamer and was a brand ambassador for the Microsoft title Forza Motorsport . His voice

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8060-674: The U.S. F2000 National Championship in 1999 in Jayhard/Primus Racing's Van Diemen Ford RF99 car, achieving six wins and eleven top-ten finishes to become the first British and European series champion. Wheldon's early performance was affected by jet lag from constant travel to the United Kingdom to visit his family and his desire to compete in Formula Three. He stopped doing so after about three months, when Baytos urged him to concentrate on racing. Wheldon

8215-609: The Van Diemen team, driving a Mygale in 1998. That year, he finished second in the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch. It was during this period he developed a rivalry with fellow driver Jenson Button . Wheldon did not have the necessary level of funding from his father and sponsors to further his career in the United Kingdom and progress into either the British Formula 3 International Series or

8370-554: The "Baby Borg." The Baby Borg is typically presented the following January at a Speedway reception or sometimes at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, near trophy sponsor BorgWarner's headquarters. Starting with the 1997 race, a second Baby Borg was added, presented to the winning car owner(s), officially named the "Indianapolis 500 Champion Owner's Trophy". The owner's trophy

8525-533: The #7 in the GTP Class alongside Matt Campbell and Felipe Nasr they would finish 4th overall. In 2024 Newgarden would return to Porsche Penske Motorsport at the 2024 24 Hours of Daytona again driving the #7 alongside Campbell and Nasr and Dane Cameron after a long race the #7 team would win the 24 Hours of Daytona. Since his second year in IndyCar Series, Newgarden has established himself as one of

8680-435: The 1983 winner, insisted his likeness include glasses, and they remain to this day. Two drivers, both of whom are multiple winners, have their respective names depicted differently in different years. Four-time winner Al Unser has his name listed as "Al Unser" for his likenesses of 1970 , 1971 , and 1978 . He is listed as "Al Unser Sr." for his 1987 win, owing much to the fact that his son (two-time winner Al Unser Jr. )

8835-507: The 2013 race in Baltimore and in 2014, would stand on his second career podium at Iowa Speedway. During his fourth full season in IndyCar, Newgarden raced under the merged team of Sarah Fisher and Ed Carpenter . Under this new team banner Newgarden started 2015 finishing in 12th position at St. Petersburg. During the fourth race weekend in the 2015 season at Barber Motorsports Park , Newgarden earned his first IndyCar Series victory at

8990-523: The 2017 season at Barber Motorsports Park; clinching the victory after a duel with Scott Dixon in the final laps. Newgarden moved into the IndyCar points lead following back to back victories at Toronto and Mid Ohio. At Gateway, Newgarden held off his teammates and Scott Dixon to clinch his fourth series victory of the season but not without controversy as late in the race, Newgarden went under teammate Simon Pagenaud very late going into Turn 1. After bumping tires, both continued but, as Pagenaud nearly hit

9145-620: The Formula Ford Festival title, becoming the only American to do so. At the Walter Hayes Trophy event, Newgarden won all of the qualifying races leading to the main event. He started the event from the pole position, but mid-way through the race in wet conditions, Newgarden crashed from the lead, finishing 6th place. In 2009, he moved to England to compete in the British Formula Ford Championship and start his European career. He finished runner-up in 2009, leading

9300-547: The Iowa Speedway weekend and nearly became the first driver to win every oval race on the schedule with wins at Texas and Indianapolis . After a thrilling last-lap pass, Newgarden won the 2023 Indianapolis 500 in his 12th attempt at the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing". He finished fifth in the standings in 2023, his eighth consecutive season finishing in the top-five in the championship standings. Newgarden won

9455-676: The Kart Racers of America (KRA) Junior Can Championship. He also competed in the TAG world championships that year in the junior division, securing the title. 2006 was his most successful year in karting; he secured two championships in the KRA Junior Can division and repeated as the TAG World Champion in the junior division. He went on to compete in junior car racing in 2007, but returned to karting several times, racing in

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9610-666: The No. 02 Riley MkXI Lexus . He returned with the same team for the following year's race , again partnered by Dixon, and they were joined by Memo Rojas . The trio retired after 538 laps because Rojas crashed the No. 2 entry on the saturated track in the race's 21st hour. They were classified 21st in class and 41st overall. Wheldon returned for a fourth time to participate in the 24 Hours of Daytona for Chip Ganassi Racing with Dixon, Alex Lloyd and Salvador Durán . Their car, starting in tenth in its category and overall, finished 44th overall (18th in its class) after it retired with 515 laps completed due to sustaining three accidents during

9765-645: The RAC British Cadet Karting Championship three times in 1988, 1989 and 1990. Wheldon went on to win the British B Junior title driving a Wright chassis in 1992. He was later advised by Mark Rose and Terry Fullerton as he progressed to the international level. Wheldon won the 1995 FIA Formula A World Cup with Fullerton's team. Aged 17, he progressed to car racing, competing in the Formula Vauxhall Junior Championship for Team JLR in 1996, winning

9920-606: The Robo-Pong 200 endurance karting event that Wheldon won in 2005, named the trophy the Dan Wheldon Cup in 2012. The Wheldon family added a Wheldon Memorial Pro-Am to the event in 2013. On 7 March 2012, Wheldon's widow Susie and mayor Bill Foster unveiled a street sign in St. Petersburg, Florida . Named "Dan Wheldon Way", the sign was placed at the corner of Bayshore Drive and Albert Whitted Park (turn ten). A permanent memorial

10075-527: The Skip Barber Racing School Series, finishing second in the regional championship in 2006, followed by sixth and second in the national series, in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, he became the first U.S. driver to capture a Formula Ford Festival title, driving for Team USA in England. In 2009, Newgarden moved to England to begin his European career. He competed in the British Formula Ford Championship , finishing runner-up and leading

10230-582: The Southern Regional Series with three wins and another seven podium places. He next competed in the 2007 BFGoodrich / Skip Barber National Presented by Mazda championship, finishing sixth with two wins. Newgarden remained in the series for 2008 and improved to second place, with three wins. After the 2008 season, Newgarden was selected for the Team USA scholarship to compete at the Formula Ford Festival and Walter Hayes Trophy. He secured

10385-475: The bas-relief bust of the driver was newly created by Behrends, it was done without helmet and with the cowboy hat he wore primarily during that season). In 2019, because of fan requests, Simon Pagenaud 's Baby Borg also featured the likeness of his Jack Russell terrier Norman. BorgWarner added a donation to the Humane Society of Indiana as part of the event, primarily because the dog had participated in

10540-429: The beveled base of the driver's Baby Borg trophy. The driver's trophy can be lifted from its base if desired. Prior to 1988, winners received an 24-inch (610 mm) upright model of the trophy mounted on a walnut plaque. Since then, some pre-1988 winners have been presented with the newer Baby Borg version. In 2011, race winner Dan Wheldon was fatally injured before he received his Baby Borg. His widow Susie accepted

10695-428: The catchfence around the track, and the unlimited track movement while racing that increased contact between cars, making it difficult to predict what would occur around the drivers, and increased the likelihood of a major accident. "Whilst several factors coincided to produce a perfect storm, none of them can be singled out as the sole cause of the accident. For this reason it is impossible to determine with certainty that

10850-416: The center of some of the most infamous finishes in IndyCar history. Most famously was the 2023 Indianapolis 500 , where after a series of red flag incidents Newgarden passed Marcus Ericsson with two corners to go on the final lap before weaving briefly into the pitlane to take away clean air from Ericsson and win the race. Although the move was considered legal at the time, IndyCar ended up banning weaving into

11005-404: The championship hunt with two races to go, and with an early retirement at Laguna Seca Newgarden finished fifth in the 2023 IndyCar Series. Newgarden started 2024 with a pole position at St. Petersburg, but was stripped of his win after Team Penske violated push-to-pass regulations. Newgarden rebounded by winning the 108th Indy 500, achieving back to back Indy 500 victories. Newgarden became

11160-476: The championship standings with 159 points and a further nine top-ten finishes. Wheldon was named the series' Rookie of the Year. For the 2001 season, Wheldon moved to the PacWest Lights team to compete in the higher-tier Indy Lights Championship. In the No. 1 Lola T97/20 - Buick 3800 V6 , he won two races in the championship's second half ( Gateway Motorsports Park and Road Atlanta ) and placed in

11315-451: The concrete wall behind the SAFER barrier alongside the track. He collided with a fence post along his car's right-hand side, creating a deep defect in the chassis that went from the upper pedal bulkhead and through the cockpit. That deformed its roll hoop and the top of the chassis above the fuel cell compartment , which were sheared from the car. The post penetrated the cockpit and struck

11470-483: The drivers' championship with 492 points. Wheldon planned to extend his CGR contract when Chip Ganassi provided him with an offer in May 2008. He decided against doing so when he learnt AGR's Kanaan had begun discussions with the team. Though Kanaan ultimately ended up staying with AGR, Wheldon felt betrayed and began talking to other teams. Wheldon told CGR three months later in Detroit of his decision to leave them at

11625-630: The entrance to Oracle Park in San Francisco . The actual perpetual trophy is not given to the winner; it remains at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum on the grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway . The winning drivers since 1988 have been presented with an 18-inch (460 mm) tall free-standing replica of the trophy, sitting on a beveled square base. Officially titled the "Indianapolis 500 Champion Driver's Trophy,", it has been affectionately nicknamed

11780-425: The event. IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard set up a challenge for the season-ending 2011 IZOD IndyCar World Championship at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on 16 October. A prize of $ 5 million would be divided equally between a driver and a randomly selected fan if the driver won from the back of the grid. He was unable to get an international racing driver so he offered the challenge to Wheldon who accepted. He

11935-438: The first base of the trophy. Unser also became the first winner to have likenesses on the body of the trophy (1970, 1971, 1978) as well as the base (1987). The layout and lettering of the base mimicked that of the trophy body. The driver's name was enscripted in one single line, followed by the year on the next line, and the race average speed below on the third line. The likeness of 1989 Indianapolis 500 winner Emerson Fittipaldi

12090-478: The first base was removed, and replaced with a new, larger base to accommodate more winners. Enough space is currently available to hold all winners through 2033. Since 1990 the winning drivers' likenesses on both the Borg-Warner Trophy and the replica trophies have been sculpted by prominent American sculptor William Behrends , who also created the statue of baseball great Willie Mays that stands at

12245-625: The first consecutive winner of the Indy 500 since Helio Castroneves 22 years ago, also driving for Team Penske . Newgarden participated in the 2018 Race of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the 2019 Race of Champions at Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, Mexico , both times for Team USA. On February 23, 2022, it was announced that Newgarden would be a guest driver in Tony Stewart 's Superstar Racing Experience at

12400-455: The first half of the season, including his first win in the Indianapolis 500 after a last lap pass against Marcus Ericsson . Although he managed to sweep the double header at Iowa for another season of three or more wins, Newgarden would struggle uncharacteristically throughout the season on road and street circuits, recording only one podium finish on a road or street course all season. A rare crash at Gateway while leading took Newgarden out of

12555-543: The highly competitive Robo-Pong 200 at New Castle Motorsports Park multiple times over the next few years. He won the 200-mile endurance race twice, with both successes coming with members of the Dismore family as his teammates (Mark Dismore Sr in 2011 and Mark Dismore Jr in 2013). Newgarden started his open-wheel car career in the Skip Barber Racing School series in 2006. He finished as runner-up in

12710-481: The introduction of the Dallara DW-12 chassis, a special platform was constructed to display the trophy in a more prominent fashion in victory lane. As soon as the car pulls into victory lane, the customized platform is securely placed behind the rear wing or over one of the rear wheels. The trophy is immediately placed upon the platform, and is displayed in a safer and highly visible location. In addition, during

12865-516: The last lap. Wheldon took four top-ten finishes in four of the next six races, before achieving his third series victory in Nazareth Speedway 's final motor race to move into second in the drivers' championship. His title challenge to his teammate Tony Kanaan ended in the season's penultimate round at California Speedway , but secured second overall from Buddy Rice at the season-ending Texas Motor Speedway race with 533 points. For

13020-461: The lead with Danica Patrick until she slowed due to a lack of fuel. Wheldon made the race-victory overtake with seven laps to go to become the first British driver to win the event since Graham Hill in 1966 . He continued to drive consistently in the top six in the next seven races. At Pikes Peak International Raceway , Wheldon took his fifth win of the season (after leading 67 laps) to equal Sam Hornish Jr. 's 2002 record of five victories during

13175-494: The lower portion of the right-hand side of Wheldon's helmet in an impact measured at −30 Gs lateral, 47Gs longitudinal, and −25Gs vertical to the chassis as he sustained "two distinct impacts" to his head. The race was stopped after one caution lap. He was extricated from his car by the trackside safety team and airlifted to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada for his critical injuries. Wheldon

13330-597: The man's arm blocks the view of the figure's genitalia. In 1935, the Borg-Warner Automotive Company commissioned designer Robert J. Hill and Gorham, Inc. , of Providence, Rhode Island to create the trophy at a cost of $ 10,000. The trophy underwent a refurbishment in 1991 and again in 2004. Today it is insured in excess of $ 1.3 million. Made of sterling silver , the trophy is just under 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall and weighs nearly 153 pounds (69 kg). The trophy body itself

13485-502: The middle square of the first row of the front side. Subsequent faces were added encircling the trophy to the right, however the starting squares for each row varied. When the winners began to be added annually after 1936, most through 1970 were depicted wearing an open-face helmet. Floyd Davis , who co-won the 1941 race with Mauri Rose , was depicted without a helmet, while Rose was depicted with one. By 1946, most were shown without their goggles. The likeness of 1957 winner Sam Hanks

13640-433: The month when the trophy is displayed trackside, it is typically placed on a decorative dolly for easy transportation. Josef Newgarden Josef Nicolai Newgarden (born Joseph Edgar Newgarden , December 22, 1990) is an American racing driver who races the No. 2 Team Penske Dallara / Chevrolet in the IndyCar Series . He was the 2011 Indy Lights champion, and 2017 and 2019 IndyCar Series Champion. He won

13795-408: The month, it is usually situated upon a large, sturdy, custom-built rolling dolly. The trophy has appeared in several films, including Winning , starring Paul Newman , and Turbo . During the month of May, the trophy has several prominent locations for display. During time trials, the trophy is typically displayed outdoors on a platform near the start/finish line. During down times, it returns to

13950-511: The most successful American driver currently active in the series. Newgarden picked up a second win at Gateway. Heading into the final race of the season at Long Beach, Newgarden was one of only three drivers mathematically in contention for the title alongside Alex Palou and Pato O'Ward. Newgarden finished second in the race, giving him a second-place finish in the championship for the second consecutive year. Newgarden would be an at times dominant and at times inconsistent force in 2022 . He set

14105-477: The museum. It also makes several appearances, including the Public Drivers' Meeting and the 500 Festival Parade , as well as prominent socials events and gatherings (such as banquets and balls downtown). The Borg-Warner Trophy was exclusively featured on the cover of the Indianapolis 500 Official Program in 1981, 1998, and 2002. It also appeared on the cover in lesser prevalence in 1988, 1996, and 2006. It

14260-412: The new base is reflected in the descriptions. All listings on the new base script the driver's first name on the first line, surname on the second line, followed by the year on the third line, and average speed on the fourth line. On the old base, and on the trophy body, the drivers' names are written in one single line. Due to the increased weight and size of the trophy, it was no longer possible to hoist

14415-418: The new base. The likeness of 2003 winner Gil de Ferran was the first new face to be added to the new base. The new base added at least 15 pounds (6.8 kg) and more than 4 inches (100 mm) to the trophy, which now stands at 64 + 1 ⁄ 2 inches (1,640 mm), and weighs nearly 150 pounds (68 kg). The current base is expected to accommodate winners through 2033. One notable difference on

14570-747: The physics development for Ignite Game Technologies' online simulation racing game Simraceway . He partook in philanthropic activities, such as raising money for Alzheimer's disease research , contributed to the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation , and met unwell children at the Peyton Manning Children's Cancer Hospital in Indianapolis every year. Wheldon was a spokesperson for the National Guard 's Youth Challenge Program , which provides services to vulnerable young Americans. He edited and published

14725-409: The pile-up and flying debris. Meira, Kimball and Viso blocked Wheldon's path, and he decelerated to 10% of throttle usage before he hit the left-rear tyre of Kimball's car at 165 mph (266 km/h). He was launched semi-airborne for approximately 325 ft (99 m) and rotated towards the right-hand side catchfence . Wheldon's vehicle rotated and travelled parallel to the catchfence above

14880-485: The pit lane at the Indianapolis 500 for safety and sporting reasons. Newgarden was born in Nashville , Tennessee . Originally named Joseph Edgar, his parents changed his name at 6 years old to honor his mother’s Danish heritage. His parents moved from New York in the 1980s with the family photography business. He is the youngest of three siblings, having two older sisters. Newgarden has said in an interview that he

15035-517: The points championship with one race to go. In New Hampshire, the 11th race of 2011, Newgarden lapped the entire field and went on to win. He was the first Indy Lights driver to do this since Thiago Medeiros in March 2004. Newgarden, as a rookie, would also lead the series with the most number of wins for the 2011 season. On December 7, 2011, Newgarden was announced as the driver for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing . He competed in IndyCar from 2012 to 2014 with Fisher's team. He would earn his first podium at

15190-582: The points standings after every race except the Indy 500 where Team Penske teammate Simon Pagenaud led from the pole position. Newgarden won his second IndyCar title at Laguna Seca by only 25 points. Newgarden started his second title defense slowly in 2020 , a season shorted by the COVID-19 pandemic . Although he finished third at the opener in Texas he found himself in an early-season slump that put him in

15345-632: The points. The season was highlighted by a pole position at Hockenheimring and a best finish of fifth at the season finale at Monza . At the start of 2011, Newgarden would return home to the United States to compete in the Indy Lights Series with Sam Schmidt Motorsports . He won his first Indy Lights race in the season opener on the Streets of St. Petersburg . He followed his opening win in St. Petersburg with four more wins and ten podium finishes out of thirteen races in 2011, clinching him

15500-470: The pole for Sonoma, setting a track record. Newgarden needed to finish 4th or higher regardless of Pagenaud's result and he finished 2nd to clinch his first title. Newgarden became the first American born driver to win the Astor Cup since Ryan Hunter-Reay in 2012. Newgarden won the opening race of the 2019 season at St. Petersburg and followed that up with wins at Detroit , Texas and Iowa . He led

15655-459: The procedure has been conducted on different drivers who had not been awarded a Baby Borg, regardless of years since their win. In 2021, Gordon Johncock was awarded Baby Borgs to represent his 1973 and 1982 wins at his Johncock Forestry Products business in South Branch, Michigan during a birthday party organised by BorgWarner. In 2022, A. J. Foyt , who has an owner's Baby Borg from 1999,

15810-580: The race, Wheldon was in second place on the final lap when Hildebrand crashed leaving turn four. He took the lead to become the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 leading only the final lap. Wheldon's contract expired at midnight on 30 May. He then became a color commentator and pit lane reporter for the cable television channel Versus (now NBCSN) for three IndyCar Series events (Iowa, Texas and Toronto ), believing he would not race again in 2011. He impressed viewers with his expertise, quick wit and ease in interacting with other commentators. Wheldon

15965-441: The race, he struck a concrete retaining wall and somersaulted into the air before landing upside down, which relegated him to finishing 19th. After Franchitti returned, Wheldon was retained as a driver following the retirement of team owner and mentor Michael Andretti . He drove well thereafter with another eight top-ten finishes. Starting tenth at Chicagoland Speedway, Wheldon led for a season-high 38 laps and came fourth. He ended

16120-495: The rain-shortened race after a late-event collision with Marco Andretti , losing Wheldon the lead of the drivers' championship. His third-place finish in the ABC Supply Company A.J. Foyt 225 at Milwaukee Mile was overshadowed by a physical confrontation with Patrick following a collision on the 88th lap; the two reconciled after a private meeting with IndyCar president Brian Barnhart . The rest of Wheldon's season

16275-400: The result would have been any different if one or more of the factors did not exist." Marcus Simmons, a writer for the British motor racing magazine Autosport , called Wheldon "one of a golden crop of richly-talented British drivers to graduate from karting to junior single-seaters in the mid to late-1990s", and, "a man who embodied the ideal of the immigrant to the ' New World ' fulfilling

16430-459: The same time Meira lost control, Tomas Scheckter was also attempting to avoid the first crash by rapidly slowing down on the outside. This led to Paul Tracy crashing into the back of Scheckter and a rapidly approaching Pippa Mann to launch over the top of Tracy after jerking to the outside to avoid crashing into Alex Lloyd . Wheldon was in 24th and travelling on the left-hand side of the track at 224 mph (360 km/h) in an attempt to avoid

16585-502: The season finale at Laguna Seca Newgarden was one of five drivers in contention for the series title alongside his Penske teammates Will Power and Scott McLaughlin along with Scott Dixon and Marcus Ericsson . Although Newgarden mounted a furious charge from 25th to 2nd at Laguna Seca he was ultimately unsuccessful at clinching his third championship, finishing second in the standings to Will Power. 2023 would be Newgarden's most difficult season with Team Penske. He took two victories in

16740-442: The season finishing third at Texas Motor Speedway, scoring 312 points for 11th in the point standings. Wheldon's performances enhanced his reputation, and he demonstrated an accord with oval track racing that many European drivers lacked. He was awarded the 2003 IndyCar Rookie of the Year , and was voted the 2003 Autosport Rookie of the Year . Wheldon returned to AGR for the 2004 season . At Phoenix International Raceway ,

16895-580: The season though he was called up to drive when regular driver Dario Franchitti broke his vertebrae in a motor bike accident in Scotland. In his first race driving the No. 27 Dallara IR-03 Honda HI3R V8 car, at the Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi , Wheldon qualified fifth and finished the accident-shortened race seventh. Wheldon qualified fifth for his first Indianapolis 500 . Late in

17050-452: The season's conclusion. On 2 September, CGR announced that Wheldon would be released from his contract at the end of the season as Dario Franchitti left NASCAR and returned to IndyCar. Wheldon returned to the full-time one-car Panther Racing team for the 2009 season following an agreement with his management and team owner John Barnes in mid-August. He struggled to perform in the first three races, but he took his first top-ten finish with

17205-431: The season's second race, Wheldon won his first career pole position and finished third. He took his first series win at Twin Ring Motegi, leading an event-high 192 laps from pole position. Wheldon qualified second for the Indianapolis 500 ; he led 26 laps to finish the rain-shortened race third. His second win of the season came at Richmond International Raceway after holding off Team Penske 's Hélio Castroneves on

17360-546: The second race in Iowa Newgarden suffered a massive crash due to a mechanical failure while leading the race. Although he was able to exit the car on his own power and walked away he collapsed shortly afterwards in the driver's motorhome lot, after which he was airlifted to a hospital in Des Moines for further evaluation. Newgarden was later cleared to race in the following weekend's Gallagher Grand Prix. Heading into

17515-565: The second year in a row. Wheldon remained competitive all year; challenging for wins on oval tracks. Despite strong showings, he could not claim a race victory during his time with Panther Racing, which frustrated Barnes. In the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma at Infineon Raceway (now Sonoma Raceway), Wheldon made contact with Bertrand Baguette 's car during a warm-up lap before the start of the event. He flipped upside down and pirouetted several times but emerged unhurt. His best finish of

17670-472: The series in total race wins and amassing 550 points. Newgarden competed in the opening round of the 2009 Formula Palmer Audi season at Brands Hatch , taking two wins and a fourth in the third race. In 2010, Newgarden competed in the newly formed 2010 GP3 Series with Carlin Motorsport . 2010 would end in Newgarden's most disappointing championship position of his young career, finishing 18th in

17825-433: The series most versatile drivers. Newgarden is considered a complete driver, with strong one lap pace in qualifying and high end racecraft allowing him to start at the front of many races and take dominant race wins. He is equally at comfort with all four of the types of tracks the IndyCar series covers, having taken wins at road courses, street courses, short ovals, and superspeedways. Newgarden's dominance on ovals since 2019,

17980-402: The spelling, even though Parsons had died seven years earlier. The decision was made to leave the misspelling in place as part of the trophy's historic lore. Through 1985, the trophy was hoisted by handlers directly behind the driver, typically on the roll bar of the car. The trophy could be easily carried by one individual, and was usually simple to transport. After the trophy was affixed with

18135-660: The subject of the 2023 sports documentary The Lionheart . The Dan Wheldon International Driver Trophy was awarded to the best performing international driver over the race weekend of the Australian V8 Supercars Gold Coast 600 . The trophy was named after Wheldon following his death, which took place a week prior to the 2011 event in which he was scheduled to participate with the Holden Racing Team . The international drivers' trophy had been unnamed when it debuted in 2010. The trophy

18290-403: The team again known as Ed Carpenter Racing . Newgarden started the 2016 season with a podium at the 2016 Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park . He missed pole position during qualifying for the 2016 Indy 500 and started in the middle of the front row. He finished the 100th running of the Indy 500 in 3rd. At the 2016 Firestone 600 at Texas Motor Speedway , Newgarden

18445-474: The team and drove their second car for the final two races of the 2002 season . Wheldon qualified seventh in the No. 15 Dallara IR02 Chevrolet V8 and finished tenth in his first IRL race, the Delphi Indy 300 at Chicagoland Speedway . He came 15th in the season-closing Chevy 500 at Texas Motor Speedway to finish his two-race campaign 36th in the points standings with 35 accrued. When funding for

18600-456: The tight, crowded confines of victory lane, and became less visible and even risked damage due to the bustling, celebrating crowd. For 2012, coinciding with the introduction of the DW-12 chassis, a special platform was constructed that fits between or behind the rear wheels and rear wing of the cars. The trophy is now placed upon this platform during the victory lane celebration, giving it once again

18755-425: The time. The tiny spectacles were crafted from metal wire. In 1993, the trophy was reportedly bumped and the glasses fell off the trophy and were broken. The glasses were repaired and later reattached. Rahal failed to qualify for the 1993 race, and some superstitious observers pointed out the incident as a bad omen. The glasses were removed permanently after Rahal started wearing contacts in the mid-1990s. Tom Sneva ,

18910-579: The top-ten in all twelve events to finish runner-up in the drivers' championship with 149 points. Wheldon was named the 2001 Indy Lights Rookie of the Year. After his objective of obtaining a seat in Championship Auto Racing Teams (later Champ Car World Series ) went unfulfilled, he began his association with the rival Indy Racing League (IRL) by joining Panther Racing as its test driver in June 2002. He brought capital to

19065-417: The trophy atop the winning car in victory lane. Handlers would place the trophy on the ground in victory lane, near the rear of the machine, but this often left the trophy obscured from view by the many people surrounding the car. Likewise in the tight confines of victory lane, the trophy was now susceptible to someone bumping into it, risking damage, requiring special care by the handlers. Starting in 2012, with

19220-459: The trophy in his honor. In 2013, starting with Parnelli Jones (the 1963 winner ), the Speedway began a tradition of presenting living winners the newer Champion Drivers Trophy on the 50th anniversary of their wins had they not been awarded a Baby Borg. Jones, Mario Andretti (2019), and Al Unser Sr. (2020) have each been awarded with such on the 50th anniversaries of their wins. Since then,

19375-413: The trophy's whereabouts. Upon looking in the frat house's basement, he found the trophy surrounded by men who were drinking beer out of it. All of 115 beers were inside of the trophy. Emptying the beer, he wondered how he would get the smell off of the trophy and decided to take a shower – taking the trophy in with him. The winner of the 1950 Indianapolis 500 , Johnnie Parsons , had his name misspelled on

19530-459: The trophy. It was scripted into the silver as "Johnny" Parsons (which incidentally, is how his son's name was spelled). Evidence of the engraver's mistake can be seen in MGM ’s 1950 movie To Please a Lady . In a scene in which they filmed the trophy and feature a shot of Johnnie Parsons’ bust image, his name is clearly misspelled. During the 1991 restoration, it was proposed by the handlers to correct

19685-407: The twenty-four likenesses representing the first 23 races, including the two co-winners for the 1924 race . Twenty-two of the likenesses were created featuring the driver wearing his helmet and goggles . Two faces, those of 1912 winner Joe Dawson and 1921 winner Tommy Milton , showed the driver without a helmet. The likeness were placed beginning with 1911 winner Ray Harroun situated in

19840-621: The ultra-competitive series with nine race wins. He competed in the opening round of the 2009 Formula Palmer Audi Season, taking two wins. In 2010, he competed in the GP3 Series , capturing one pole position. Newgarden returned to the States in 2011 and competed in the Indy Lights Series , capturing five wins and 10 podiums out of 14 races. He clinched the points championship with one race remaining.  In 2012, Newgarden joined

19995-573: The victims of the recent tornadoes and flooding which had occurred in Iowa . As IndyCar had become more orientated towards road and street circuits following the merger of it and the Champ Car World Series, his performance diminished in the remaining races since his driving on such tracks were not as good as on ovals. He achieved one further podium finish, a second-place at Nashville Speedway, and five top-seven finishes for fourth in

20150-476: The wall, he was not pleased with his teammate's move. The following week at Watkins Glen, Newgarden had a sizable cushion in the points over second-place Dixon. Coming back onto the track after a pit stop under green on cold tires, he lost control of the car as Sébastien Bourdais made contact with him damaging the suspension. Newgarden ended up leaving the Glen with a three-point lead, later a four-point lead as he won

20305-399: The weeks prior to the 1986 Indianapolis 500 , in celebration of the trophy's 50th anniversary, a new cylindrical three-row base was added to the bottom of the trophy. It featured room for an additional 18 faces. On the base, the first square was filled with a gold likeness of the late Speedway president Tony Hulman . The base increased the height of the trophy to 55 inches (1,400 mm), and

20460-422: The weight to about 95 pounds (43 kg). The trophy spent the month of May 1986 with one empty square left on the body, and now room for 17 additional winners on the base. The base would have enough room for winners through 2003. Bobby Rahal won the 1986 race, and was the final likeness added to the body of the trophy. Al Unser won the 1987 race , and became the first race winner to have his likeness added to

20615-412: The weight to over 110 pounds (50 kg). The final likeness added to the original base was that of Hélio Castroneves , winner of the 2002 race . Following the 2003 race the original base added in 1986 was removed and replaced with a similar looking one. It consisted of five rows of twelve squares, allowing room for 48 faces. The likenesses of Tony Hulman and the 1987– 2002 winners were relocated to

20770-443: The winner's circle photos. The trophy has had quite a history; track historian Donald Davidson has noted a particular story in which a Butler University student was given the trophy to watch in the 1930s before race day. The young man hid the trophy under his bed one night and proceeded to have a night out. Upon his return to his fraternity house , the man found the trophy missing. He looked and looked and became very worried about

20925-499: The winner. In 2017, the trophy traveled to Japan accompanying Takuma Sato on a victory tour of his home country, and went on display in Sweden after Marcus Ericsson 's win in 2022. Odd features have been put on the driver's likeness on the "Baby Borg" since it was introduced in 1988. In 2013, Parnelli Jones ' trophy featured a cowboy hat on his head (prior to 1970, champions were wearing an open-face helmet on their sculptures; since

21080-467: The year was a second place in the Peak Antifreeze & Motor Oil Indy 300 at Chicagoland Speedway. He came ninth at the season-ending Cafés do Brasil Indy 300 at Homestead–Miami Speedway, to rank ninth in the drivers' standings with 388 points. After the season, Wheldon left Panther Racing because of a lack of sponsorship and the No. 4 car was driven by rookie J. R. Hildebrand . He filed

21235-501: Was 13, he and his family ventured outside of Tennessee to find a competitive kart racing environment. This led Newgarden to a kart racing facility in New Castle, Indiana , that had recently been launched by IndyCar driver Mark Dismore . In order to stay efficient with funding, Newgarden focused on local and regional championships rather than competing nationally. In his first year of karting (2005), Newgarden finished 2nd and 3rd in

21390-490: Was a former classmate of NASCAR driver Josh Berry in the 7th and 8th grades. Before starting racing, Newgarden played baseball , football and basketball . On October 7, 2018, Newgarden announced that he and his longtime girlfriend, Ashley Welch, had gotten engaged while on a trip to Japan . They were married in the fall of 2019 in Nashville. In 2022, Newgarden's wife gave birth to their first child. Newgarden has

21545-407: Was also captain of the school cricket team. He married his long-time personal assistant Susie Behm of Armstrong, British Columbia , in 2008. They have two children, Sebastian and Oliver, who compete in go-karting events. Their sons have been supported by Andretti Autosport since 2021. Wheldon was a guest voice over for the television series Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 , and assisted in

21700-559: Was also employed by IndyCar, car manufacturer Dallara and designer Tony Cotman to test and develop the official prototype model of a new one-specification chassis that debuted at the beginning of the 2012 season . In early October, he drove Tagliani's No. 77 Sam Schmidt Motorsports car for the Kentucky Indy 300 at Kentucky Speedway as preparation for the season-ending IZOD IndyCar World Championship at Las Vegas Motor Speedway . Wheldon qualified in 28th-place after failing to set

21855-427: Was awarded a driver's Baby Borg, without the sculpted likeness, but with each side carrying one of his four wins, in 2022. In 2023, William Behrends was given a Baby Borg by BorgWarner in celebration of being the artist on the past 33 Indianapolis 500 winners, as traditionally the field consists of 33 cars. While the perpetual trophy is not given to the winner, it has, on occasion, traveled to various locations to honor

22010-449: Was awarded to the leader at the 400-mile mark, but was retired when car owner Harry Hartz claimed it three times. The trophy, which has been presented in the winner's circle after every race since 1936, is a very large, multi-tiered item which bears the high relief sculpture of the likeness of each driver to have won the race since its inception in 1911. Inscribed are the winner's name, year of victory, and average speed. This information

22165-427: Was created by 88-year old French sculptor Louis Feron , using the repouseé technique. Feron used a single flat sheet of silver and painstakingly hammered it into the shape of Fittipaldi's face. In 1991, a restoration project was conducted on the trophy. As part of the project, a reinforcement rim was added to the base for stability. The refurbishment increased the height of the trophy to 60 inches (1,500 mm), and

22320-702: Was designed to prevent many similar single-seater crashes such as the one that killed him. A charity race in Wheldon's honour was held in Milton Keynes on 6 December with drivers such as Franchitti, Jenson Button and Anthony Davidson competing. Proceeds from the event were donated to a charity selected by Wheldon's family. That month, Wheldon was posthumously awarded the Gregor Grant Award for his lifetime career achievements that his father Clive and Franchitti collected. Former racing driver Mark Dismore 's New Castle Motorsports Park, which organises

22475-454: Was frustrated about his car being more than 3 mph (4.8 km/h) slower than others and felt it would be difficult to remain with the pack if the issue was not resolved. Wheldon was also ABC 's in-race reporter and spoke in defence of his participation in the event and IndyCar to the network's commentary team during the warm-up laps. On lap 11 out of the planned 200, a fifteen-car accident occurred between turns one and two in which Wheldon

22630-444: Was injured in a crash, breaking his hand and clavicle. He returned to the car two weeks later, finishing in a top 10 spot at the 2016 Kohler Grand Prix at Road America . 28 days after his crash at Texas, Newgarden won the 2016 Iowa Corn 300 in dominating fashion, leading 282 of 300 laps. At IndyCar's return to Watkins Glen International , the 2016 Grand Prix at the Glen, Newgarden claimed another podium, finishing 2nd. After

22785-503: Was involved. The accident began when James Hinchcliffe was clipped by Wade Cunningham . Cunningham and J. R. Hildebrand then collided when Cunningham swerved and Hildebrand drove over the rear of his car. Hildebrand's car became airborne and Cunningham collected Jay Howard on the inside and then Townsend Bell on the outside before crashing into the wall. Attempting to avoid the crash ahead, Vítor Meira lost control, spinning inward collecting both Charlie Kimball and E. J. Viso . At

22940-406: Was killed in a collision with a fence post alongside the circuit on the race's eleventh lap. He was 33 years old and the first driver to die in IndyCar competition since Paul Dana in 2006. Wheldon was born in the village of Emberton near the town of Olney, Buckinghamshire , England on 22 June 1978. He was the son of plumber and domestic heat electrician Clive Wheldon and his wife Sue. Wheldon

23095-585: Was modest, with four retirements and two further third-place finishes in the SunTrust Indy Challenge and the Detroit Indy Grand Prix . He came fourth in the final points standings with 466 accrued. For the 2008 season , Wheldon stayed with CGR. He began the year finishing third at the season-opening Gainsco Auto Insurance Indy 300 at Homestead–Miami Speedway after moving through the field starting from 22nd. Wheldon won

23250-482: Was named the series' Rookie of the Year, and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2012 as a 1999 graduate. He progressed to the 2000 Toyota Atlantic Championship , driving for PPI Motorsports in its No. 3 Swift 008.a vehicle, winning the season-opening Homestead–Miami Speedway round to become the first driver in series history to win on his debut. He won the Laguna Seca race, finishing runner-up in

23405-401: Was now a driver. Two-time winner Juan Pablo Montoya is listed as "Juan Montoya" for 2000 and as "Juan Pablo Montoya" for 2015 . Following the 1985 Indianapolis 500 , the likeness of race winner Danny Sullivan was added to the trophy. His face filled the 69th of the original 70 squares on the trophy body. Only one square remained on the body, which would be filled by the 1986 winner. In

23560-474: Was of Irish descent. He had three younger brothers and a sister. Wheldon's family was connected to motorsport; his father had competed in karting from an early age and his mother acted as Clive's timekeeper. He went to the Bedford School until he completed his GCSE examinations at the age of 16. Wheldon attained good reading grades and excelled in cross-country running , rugby and squash . He

23715-547: Was pronounced dead on arrival. After input from drivers and team owners, officials declared they would abandon the race. A five-lap, three-wide formation salute was held in Wheldon's honour, along with " Danny Boy " and " Amazing Grace " played on the bagpipes in the background. His No. 77 was displayed alone atop of the scoring pylon. An autopsy conducted by the Clark County Coroner Michael Murphy on 17 October determined that Wheldon died of

23870-461: Was seen with a dull or matte finish. At no point has the trophy been allowed to fall in a state of tarnish or major disrepair. When the race was suspended during World War II , the trophy was stored in a secure location. A base was added in 1986 to accommodate more winners, similar to what has been done with the Stanley Cup . In 1991, the trophy went through a thorough restoration. In 2004,

24025-564: Was the final one to feature goggles. The likeness of 1970 winner Al Unser is the last to be depicted wearing a helmet (by that time, drivers were wearing full-face helmets, so the feasibility of helmets on drivers was impossible). When he won again the following year, his 1971 likeness was shown with natural hair. It has been standard practice to sculpt a brand new likeness for repeat winners, including drivers who have won in consecutive years. The likeness of 1986 winner Bobby Rahal originally featured miniature glasses, as Rahal wore glasses at

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