An updated Borg-Warner Trophy was unveiled on Thursday, showing off Marcus Ericsson’s likeness which has now been added to the trophy.
Ericsson earned the honor of having his face affixed to the trophy by winning this past year’s Indianapolis 500, which was the 106th running of the famous event.
Ericsson’s face was recreated in clay by master sculptor William Behrends, who has been creating likenesses for the trophy since 1990, following the conclusion of the racing season.
That sculpture was then cast in metal at a smaller size and affixed to the bottom rung of the 110-pound trophy.
“I think it looks amazing,” said Ericsson at the unveiling event after closely inspecting the new addition. “The whole process, like we talked about, being up in North Carolina and meeting Will [Behrends] and working with him was super special.
“Seeing how he works a little bit was very impressive. Then seeing the end result, and being on this trophy… I’m still pinching myself. It’s getting more real when you see actually yourself on it, for sure.
“It has been different since winning. It’s definitely put your name out there with the fans. There’s passionate fans, and I’ve had fans here in the states since coming over here from Formula 1, but it’s definitely put you in a different category after you’ve won that race. You can definitely feel the difference.
“From the first time I went to the speedway, it was special for me. Now, every time I go there it’s just a unique place. With all the history and everything that’s been there over the years, and now to join the club of champions of the 500. It’s so unique and I’m very proud of it.”
Ericsson’s face, name, and race-winning speed will forever be preserved among the other greats of IndyCar on one of the most famous trophies in motorsport.
Kenny Brack, the only other Indy 500 winner to hail from Sweden, related a video message for Ericsson during the presentation to help welcome him to the winner’s club.
Ericsson will attempt to become the first driver to win back-to-back Indy 500’s since Helio Castroneves in 2001 and 2002 during the 107th running on May 28, 2023.
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