This past May, on his 12th attempt, Josef Newgarden was able to claim victory at the Indianapolis 500, accomplishing one of his biggest goals as a professional racer.
The popular Team Penske driver ran into the stands after crossing the line less than one tenth of a second ahead of the previous year’s winner Marcus Ericsson, and celebrated his victory among some of the 300,000 fans in attendance.
Newgarden has been taking part of all the traditions and interviews that come with being the newest Indy 500 winner, and also gets the honor of having his likeness attached to one of the most famous trophies in all of sport.
The 32-year-old was in North Carolina this week to get his first look at the newly-created sculpture of his face, which will be placed on the Borg-Warner Trophy along with his name and average speed.
“Starting today with Borg-Warner and just meeting this guy,” said Newgarden on social media, referencing the model of himself. “Super cool to see Will Behrends’ studio and be a part of this process for the Indy 500 trophy!”
Behrends is the long-time sculptor of the faces for the Borg-Warner Trophy, having created the likeness of every Indy 500 winner since 1990.
The artist is in the midst of finalizing the details for his 34th work of art, which will later be scaled down and added to the famous trophy, and was able to get the subject’s own seal of approval when Newgarden stopped by his studio.
Newgarden poses next to the clay sculpture of his own face. Photo: Team Penske
Newgarden’s likeness will be cast in silver before it is affixed to the base of the 110-pound trophy alongside a century’s worth of other winners of the great race.
This upcoming May, the two-time series champion will get a chance to add ‘two-time Indy 500 champion’ to his list of accomplishments when he competes in the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, 2024.
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