INDIANAPOLIS — A longstanding tradition for Indianapolis 500 champions became reality for Marcus Ericsson.
After winning the race in May, Ericsson's face was unveiled on the Borg-Warner trophy on Thursday.
The bas-relief, sterling silver image of Ericsson is the 109th face to be affixed to the iconic trophy, awarded annually to the winner of the Indianapolis 500 since 1936.
Ericsson, a native of Kumla, Sweden, earned his first victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in the No. 8 Huski Chocolate Chip Ganassi Racing Honda and is the second Swede to win the race, behind Kenny Brack in 1999.
Renowned sculptor Will Behrends created Ericsson’s image, as he has for every winner since 1990.
“I’m truly honored to have my face sculpted onto the historic Borg-Warner Trophy as an Indianapolis 500 winner,” Ericsson said. “It was an incredible experience to work with Will Behrends and see his dedication and artistry firsthand. Will has done a marvelous job. Today is a very special day for me, as well as everyone at Chip Ganassi Racing. Joining all the previous winners on the trophy is something I'll always be very proud of and will never forget."
“Marcus is a great champion of the ‘500’ who truly understands and appreciates the many traditions of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,’ such as today’s memorable ceremony,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “We are looking forward to continuing to celebrate his victory between now and when we see him on track next May for the 107th running of this iconic race.”
Originally designed in 1935, the sterling silver trophy measures over 5 feet, 4-3/4 inches tall and weighs more than 110 pounds as it carries the sculpted face of every victor since 1911. Following the unveiling in Indianapolis, the trophy will travel to Ericsson’s home country of Sweden to celebrate his victory on the racetrack.
Early next year, Ericsson will receive his BorgWarner Championships Driver’s Trophy, also known as the Baby Borg, a miniature replica of the large-scale Borg-Warner Trophy.
“The Borg-Warner Trophy represents much more than just a victory on the racetrack; it symbolizes the great tradition of the Indy 500 and honoring the driver for their triumph while paying homage to the champions of the past,” said Michelle Collins, global director, marketing and public relations for BorgWarner. “It is our honor to add Marcus’ image to the trophy and, together as a company, congratulate him on his countless hours of work and dedication to his craft.”
-
Project to bring more affordable housing to northeast Indy
Amid an affordable housing crisis across the nation, a new project is looking to rehabilitate vacant units to provide more low-cost living options on the city's northeast side.
Caitlin Clark's ready for new challenges in Indy, hopes to inspire young girls
As Clark represents the Indiana Fever, she's hoping to continue to inspire other girls out there while making an impact in the WNBA.
Holy Cross Church gets permanent historic distinction to stop demolition plans
The Archdiocese of Indianapolis wants to tear down the vacant Church of the Holy Cross. The City of Indianapolis chose to protect the building instead.
IU Graduate students on strike; Seeking over $5,000 raise
In 2022, graduate workers at IU protested to receive higher wages. Today, students protested that the continued rise of inflation demands for another raise.
