World-Famous BorgWarner Indianapolis 500 Trophy Adds Capacity for More Winners
New Base Will Accommodate Images of Race Champions Through 2034
CHICAGO, May 6 -- Sunday is Opening Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, launching an exciting month of practice and qualifying that culminates May 30 in the 88th run of the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing", the Indianapolis 500.
A victory at the legendary Indianapolis 500 earns the winner a place not only in racing history but also at the base of the BorgWarner Indianapolis 500 Trophy. The Trophy, which features the sterling silver visage of every Indy winner, made its inaugural appearance in Victory Lane in 1936. This year, a new base was constructed and attached to the Trophy to add capacity for future winners through 2034.
The expanded Trophy base will make its debut at a race that may be particularly memorable. Helio Castroneves and Al Unser Jr. each have a chance to become a three-time winner -- something only eight other drivers in the history of the race have accomplished. Roger Penske, who has already won a record of 13 Indianapolis 500s including the last three in a row, might become the first team owner to win the race four consecutive years.
"Every Indianapolis 500 is memorable, and this year's race has the potential for some especially noteworthy outcomes," said Tim Manganello, BorgWarner Chairman and CEO. "But no matter who wins, we're looking forward to adding another face to the BorgWarner Indianapolis 500 Trophy," Manganello said. "The Trophy has long been a symbol -- to our employees, customers, and race fans the world over -- of achievement, competitive performance, speed and technology. We couldn't be more proud of our continuing association with this icon of excellence."
The previous base was comprised of three rows of faces, while the new one has 5, is 15 pounds heavier and 4 inches taller. It will accommodate 48 images, 18 of which are already mounted.
BorgWarner has built on its association with the race by establishing the BorgWarner Championship Driver's Trophy, a replica of the BorgWarner Indianapolis 500 Trophy, and the BorgWarner Team Owner's Trophy, a companion to the Championship Driver's Trophy. The Team Owner's Trophy goes to the owner of the racing team that wins the Indianapolis 500, and like the Championship Driver's Trophy is a replica of the Indianapolis 500 Trophy. For more information on these as well as the Indianapolis 500 Trophy, go to www.bwauto.com and click on "About BorgWarner", then "Indy 500 Trophy."
BorgWarner Inc. is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 43 locations in 14 countries. Customers include Ford, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai/Kia, Caterpillar, Navistar International, Renault/Nissan, PSA and VW. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.bwauto.com/ . For further information contact BorgWarner Corporate Communications at 312-322-8500.
The BorgWarner Indianapolis 500 Trophy(TM) is a registered trademark of
BorgWarner Inc.
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