Alex Palou Unveiled on Borg-Warner Trophy Following Historic Indianapolis 500 Victory
Alex Palou has etched his name into motorsports history as the 76th driver and 112th face represented on the prestigious Borg-Warner Trophy, following his victory at the 109th Indianapolis 500. The unveiling ceremony took place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, marking Palou as the first Spanish driver to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Palou’s triumph also secured Chip Ganassi his seventh Indianapolis 500 win, solidifying his status as one of the most successful team owners in the event’s history. Palou expressed admiration for the intricacy of his likeness crafted by sculptor William Behrends, stating, “It looks super, super-similar,” highlighting the attention to detail in Behrends’ work.
“It’s great to see it on the trophy and know it’s always going to be surrounded by the other Indy 500 winners,” Palou noted, reflecting on the significance of the moment. Michelle Collins, global director of marketing at BorgWarner, praised Palou’s achievement, stating, “This exemplifies that tenacity and constant commitment to excellence will result in success on and off the track.”
Palou’s victory has garnered considerable attention in his native Spain, with the driver acknowledging the excitement building ahead of his December visit home. He remarked, “This has been pretty big—bigger than when I won the championships.”
During the race, Palou seized the lead from Marcus Ericsson on lap 187, a pivotal moment he has since reviewed multiple times. “If I had waited one more lap, or gone one lap earlier, it might have been a different outcome,” he reflected, emphasizing the critical nature of decision-making in racing.
Looking ahead, Palou expressed renewed confidence for the next Indianapolis 500, remarking, “We can say we did win,” reinforcing his belief in the team’s capability. “I’m excited to see what we can bring next May,” he added, aware of the competitive landscape.
In early 2024, Palou will receive his first Championship Driver’s Trophy, alongside Ganassi, who will be awarded the Championship Team Owner’s Trophy. Both trophies are miniature representations of the Borg-Warner Trophy, a symbol of excellence in motorsports since its design in 1935, standing over 5 feet tall and weighing over 110 pounds.
