Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato was part of a ceremony in Indianapolis today to unveil his likeness on the prestigious Borg-Warner Trophy.
Sato won last year’s Indy 500, which was run in August for the first time, and earned the honor of having his face placed on the trophy for a second time.
To get an accurate likeness, Sato sat down with sculptor William Behrends in the offseason to have an updated relief image created, which was then added to the base of the trophy alongside many other famous faces.
The five-foot tall Borg-Warner Trophy was first introduced as the prize for the infamous race in 1935, and is decorated with the sculpted faces of all 104 past winners.
“I am thrilled to once again have my face become a permanent fixture on the Borg-Warner Trophy,” Sato said.
“William’s work is extraordinary, and it is amazing how much detail he can fit into the sterling silver sculptures.
“The effort he puts into making each individual winners’ personality and character is quite special, and it was an honor to experience this thorough and remarkable process once again.”
Sato has been thoroughly enjoying his time as the reigning Indy 500 champion, sitting down for numerous interviews and traveling with his winning car to his native Japan.
Additionally, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has unveiled a special livery that will be on Sato’s car for this year’s running of the great race.
The blue and orange PeopleReady design will be reminiscent of team founder Bobby Rahal’s championship-winning livery from 1992.
After being delayed until April last season amid extraordinary circumstances, this year’s Indy 500 will once again be hosted in its traditional slot in late May.
The 2021 IndyCar season is due to begin with four races across three weekends, with the opening round from Barber Motorsports Park taking place on April 18.
