INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis 500 winner usually gets his face on the Borg-Warner Trophy unveiled at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
But for Helio Castroneves, who became the fourth four-time Indianapolis 500 winner with his victory in last May’s 105th Indianapolis 500, this unveiling called for something special.
Castroneves’ fourth face on the Borg-Warner Trophy was revealed at the Indiana State Capitol in downtown Indianapolis with Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb presiding over the ceremony.
In addition to a fourth face for Castroneves on one of the world’s most famous trophies, Governor Holcomb Castroneves with the Indiana State Flag that flew over the Indiana State Capitol Building on May 30, 2021 — the day Castroneves captured his fourth Indy 500.
“Wow, that is something very special,” Castroneves said when he was presented the flag in a special case to preserve the moment. “Governor, thank you so much and to the Statehouse, thank you.
Helio Castroneves and Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb (Bruce Martin photo)
“It’s a true testament how much I love this place and what the fans mean to me. This is a perfect example. This is part of history. To me, to be the one chosen as part of this history, means so much.
“When you are passionate about something, you have to go for it. For me, this was a perfect time to listen to my heart. Each one of us has that heart inside of us. I’m so happy to be part of this amazing history.
“I can’t wait to see all of you again this May and be out there representing this amazing place.
“Records are made to be broken, so let’s hope I repeat, go back-to-back and become the first five-time Indianapolis 500 winner.”
It proved that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500 is a true part of the history and fabric of Indiana.
“He’s not from here, but he is proud to be a Hoosier,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles said.
“I’m beyond lucky to get to have another face added to the Borg-Warner Trophy,” Castroneves said. “It’s an exciting time to get to celebrate this special moment at the Indiana Statehouse, as well. It’s been such a great experience making my full-time return to IndyCar with Meyer Shank Racing. Last year was just the start of a really great partnership together and now we begin the drive for five.”
In addition to Governor Holcomb, other guests present at the unveiling were Boles, Penske Entertainment President and CEO Mark Miles and BorgWarner Inc. Global Director of Marketing and Public Relations Michelle Collins.
“IndyCar is on a roll,” Miles said. “We got off to a great start at St. Petersburg. Helio is a great champion and one of the great storylines in the Indianapolis 500.
“It’s fair to say that our No. 1 race fan is Governor Eric Holcomb. It’s ‘Back Home Again’ in a normal sense. There are no restrictions. The infield will be open. All of the concerts will happen, and it will be another Indianapolis 500 like we know and love.”
“This is one of the most historic unveilings of a likeness on the Borg-Warner Trophy we’ve ever had as Helio’s image now appears for the fourth time on this beautiful trophy,” Boles said. “It’s exciting to get to celebrate something that only A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears have done and place Helio alongside those iconic names.”
As part of the unveiling, Holcomb presented Castroneves with the flag flown at the Indiana Statehouse on the day of his historic win. Castroneves reciprocated by giving Holcomb an iconic bottle of milk, the drink enjoyed by all Indy 500 winners in victory lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“This is a pretty special day and there is no place on the planet Earth like Indianapolis in May,” Governor Holcomb said. “We can’t wait to get to the month of May and Memorial Day and celebrate the Indianapolis 500, especially with Helio’s drive for five.
“I have a strong reason to believe that Helio is not done here. He is not done winning races; he is not done kissing bricks and he is not done climbing the fence. We are so proud to have Helio as part of our family, but as a global ambassador to this sport and to our Hoosier Heritage. You name is etched in the hallowed halls of Hoosier history.
“I speak for 6.8 million Hoosiers and would like to present you with our flag that flew over the State Capitol on the day of that big victory.”
Collins helped Castroneves unveil the image on the trophy. The BorgWarner Trophy was first commissioned in 1935.
“Today is a special day for everyone involved as we get to finally unveil the winning driver’s image on the Borg-Warner Trophy,” Collins said. “BorgWarner is proud to be able to reward Helio Castroneves’ hard work on the track, winning his record tying fourth Indianapolis 500, with this beautiful sterling silver likeness created by sculptor William Behrends. The unveiling of the winning driver’s image is a fun and memorable annual event that showcases the winner’s likeness, along with all the other past winners of the Indianapolis 500 dating back to 1911 when Ray Harroun drove to victory.
“Helio and everyone at Meyer Shank Racing performed flawlessly on race day last May to put their names atop the record book. Helio is a wonderful ambassador for the sport and everyone at BorgWarner is proud to be associated with him. We recognize his greatness and never-ending smile on and off the track.”
Keyword: Not Just Another Face In The Crowd