Roger Penske obtained his record-extending nineteenth Indianapolis 500 trophy at a Tuesday reception in Michigan alongside winner Josef Newgarden, who wanted 12 tries to earn his first Borg-Warner.

The Borg-Warner is likely one of the most iconic trophies in sports activities and options the likeness of each earlier Indy 500 winner. Replicas referred to as a “child Borg” are later offered to the successful driver and workforce proprietor, and the presentation at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn is actually Newgarden’s remaining obligation in a protracted listing of celebratory obligations for the Indy 500 winner.

“I feel the enjoyable factor is that the five hundred has been the reward that retains on giving. You get to relive the second, the race and the importance of the occasion,” Newgarden mentioned in an interview with The Related Press. “I feel all these particular issues that comply with the race itself makes your appreciation for what the Indy 500 is simply go up 10 instances.

“Man, it does not matter what number of years you have been there and the way a lot you like the Indy 500, it’s when you win it that you just absolutely admire and perceive the importance. It is inconceivable to know till you have gained an Indy 500.”

Newgarden’s victory final Could was his first on the historic oval at Indianapolis, and the primary for Penske since Penske accomplished his buy of the historic landmark in 2020. Though Newgarden in the end completed fifth within the IndyCar standings, the Indy 500 victory earned the Henderson, Tennessee, native “Sportsperson of the 12 months” by The Tennessean, the hometown newspaper for the two-time collection champion.

He mentioned he’ll put his Child Borg on a shelf in his workplace as he contemplates discovering a remaining show space. And whereas the Child Borg ceremony was his first, Newgarden mentioned 19 earlier displays have made Penske already begin looking forward to his twentieth Indy 500 victory.

“He is extra motivated than anyone to win the twentieth Indy 500,” Newgarden mentioned of his boss, who turns 87 subsequent month. “He is already on to the subsequent one, which I completely love.”

Penske ended 2023 with a second consecutive NASCAR championship following Ryan Blaney’s title-deciding run in November. Now it’s on to the Rolex 24 at Daytona — the place Newgarden in some way talked Penske into giving him a slot in one of many two Penske Porsche entries — and Penske’s first probability of 2024 to win a race.

Crew Penske has only one earlier win in essentially the most prestigious endurance race in america, however it was in 1969 with Mark Donohue and Chuck Parson co-driving a Lola-Chevrolet. Crew Penske gained the GT class in 1966.

“I’ve been asking for a protracted, very long time. Maybe successful the five hundred was useful,” Newgarden mentioned of the decision to compete for Penske at Daytona. “That is going to be my eighth 12 months with Crew Penske and I’ve tried to contribute and in the whole lot I’ve achieved be an additive. I hope that is the explanation they’ve given me a chance to be a part of the Rolex workforce — to win large races.”