Caring for the Indy 500 Borg-Warner trophy and all of its sterling silver quirks
105 faces wrap around the Borg-Warner trophy. Every Indianapolis 500 winner is immortalized in the sterling silver prize.
But the trophy isn't without its quirks. Like the face of Anton Hulman Jr. which is the only one molded in gold. Or Tom Sneva who is the only driver with sunglasses on his face.
The 110-pound trophy has been around for 85 years, and has seen its fair share of changes. With each new winner, the trophy changes in height and weight. Even after 85 years, the Borg-Warner trophy continues to captivate people.
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"It's 85 years old and it's obviously seen a lot of history," Steve Shunck, a representative with Borg-Warner said. "It's seen four four-time winners. It's seen one-time winners. But just like milk and the wreath, it's a part of a great tradition at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway."
Hidden in the bottom half of the trophy is a hole that has become a time capsule. The only person to look inside is artist William Behrends of Tryon, North Carolina, who creates the faces for the trophy each year. Inside are items left behind by previous Indianapolis 500 winners, as well as other things such as two-dollar bills, IndyCar memorabilia and tributes to former Indianapolis 500 winners who have passed.
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The trophy is cared for by a team of five, including Roxie Dunbar and Jamie West, both members of the collections and exhibit team at Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum.
"The trophy and the sport is loved by so many people around the world and the fact that Jamie and I, ya know, part of our job is to care for this trophy," Dunbar said. "It's quite an honor." Roxie Dunbar collections manager at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum said.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Caring for the Borg-Warner trophy at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.