On February 18, 2026, BorgWarner presented Alex Palou with the coveted Championship Driver’s Trophy™, popularly known as the Baby Borg, in recognition of his victory at the 2025 Indianapolis 500. The ceremony was held at the Unser IndyCar Open Test at Phoenix Raceway, Avondale, Arizona, celebrating Palou’s remarkable achievement and marking the first Baby Borg awarded to him, while adding a seventh Indy 500 title to team owner Chip Ganassi’s legacy. The Baby Borg is a 20-inch silver trophy, designed as a detailed miniature replica of the renowned Borg-Warner Trophy®, bearing Palou’s name, team details, average race speed, and a sculpted likeness in sterling silver.
Historical Context of the Baby Borg and Trophy Tradition
Palou’s face was added as the 112th sculpted image on the main Borg-Warner Trophy in a ceremony held in Indianapolis in November 2025, crafted by artist William Behrends. The original trophy dates back to 1936 and includes every Indy 500 winner’s likeness. The Baby Borg was introduced in 1988 to honor individual drivers, and a related Championship Team Owner’s Trophy was created in 1998. The Unser IndyCar Open Test, where the ceremony took place, honors the Unser family, who hold nine images on the Borg-Warner Trophy from their multiple Indy 500 wins spanning from the late 1960s to the 1990s.
BorgWarner Celebrates Achievement with Enthusiastic Remarks
Michelle Collins, BorgWarner’s Global Director of Marketing and Public Relations, expressed pride in the tradition of awarding the Baby Borg trophies. She stated,
“Presenting the Baby Borg trophies is one of our favorite traditions at BorgWarner, and we are honored to celebrate Alex and Chip for their remarkable achievement at the 2025 Indianapolis 500,”
emphasizing the trophy’s status as a symbol of motorsports excellence and the legacy of the Indy 500.
Palou Reflects on His Victory and Future Ambitions
Alex Palou shared his heartfelt emotions regarding the moment, saying,
“I’ve been looking forward to this moment since May, waiting to finally bring my Baby Borg home. Being an Indy 500 winner has been incredible. Everyone tells you what it means, but you don’t truly understand it until you’re lucky enough to experience it yourself. While it’s bittersweet that the celebration is winding down, it only fuels my drive to try and do it again.”
He also credited his team and support system, adding,
“With the team we have at CGR and on the No. 10 car, I know we’re capable of fighting for much more. Experiencing this for the first time has only strengthened that motivation. Thank you to everyone at BorgWarner and thank you to Chip for your support. I’m thrilled to finally have this trophy at home and am going to take it on a date tonight.”
Team Owner Chip Ganassi’s Milestone and Connection to Phoenix Raceway
Alongside Palou, Chip Ganassi was also presented with the Championship Team Owner’s Trophy to mark his seventh Indy 500 team victory, solidifying his position as the second most successful team owner in the history of IndyCar racing. Ganassi reflected on the significance of the Phoenix Raceway location, saying,
“It’s an honor to be here, and I want to thank BorgWarner and everyone at Phoenix Raceway for hosting the Unser Open Test. This place is special to me — it’s where I drove an IndyCar for the very first time. Coming back now, alongside Alex, brings it all full circle. I even shared one small pointer from my own experience here — not that he needs it. It’s incredible to return, to be part of this moment, and to be part of this great sport. There’s truly no place I’d rather be than right here, right now.”
Chip Ganassi’s Indy 500 Victories and Legacy
Ganassi’s winning history at the Indianapolis 500 is vast, with victories alongside legendary drivers including Emerson Fittipaldi in 1989, Juan Pablo Montoya in 2000, Scott Dixon in 2008, Dario Franchitti in 2010 and 2012, Marcus Ericsson in 2022, and most recently, Alex Palou in 2025. This track record underscores Ganassi’s prominence in IndyCar racing.
Dario Franchitti Highlights the Importance of Ganassi’s Team
Dario Franchitti, a multiple Indy 500 winner, praised Ganassi’s winning culture and the team’s high standards. He noted,
“I have my three Baby Borgs proudly displayed front and center in my home office. They represent some of the greatest days of my motorsports career – something I’ll always be proud of. Being a part of the list of drivers that have won the Indianapolis 500 for Chip Ganassi is special. Chip likes winners and especially likes winning the Indy 500 and through great team personnel, top to bottom, it gives his drivers incredible opportunities to win.”
Upcoming IndyCar Season and Palou’s Title Defense
The IndyCar Series will commence on March 1st with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, where Alex Palou, the four-time and defending IndyCar Series Champion, aims to build upon his winning momentum. As the 2026 season advances toward May, Palou will attempt to become only the seventh driver in history to win back-to-back Indianapolis 500 races, while aspiring to claim the BorgWarner rolling jackpot, an additional accolade offered to consecutive winners.
BorgWarner’s Role in Motorsports and Innovation
With over 130 years as a global leader in mobility innovation, BorgWarner continues to support motorsport events like the Indianapolis 500 while advancing sustainability efforts to build a cleaner, safer future. Their trademarks include the Borg-Warner Trophy, Championship Driver’s Trophy, and Championship Team Owner’s Trophy, which are iconic symbols representing excellence and tradition in IndyCar racing.
Significance of the Award and Future Outlook
The Baby Borg Trophy ceremony not only honors individual driver achievement but also highlights the collective strength of teams like Chip Ganassi Racing in IndyCar’s fiercely competitive environment. As Palou embarks on the new season fueled by his recent triumph, his drive to repeat success embodies the passion and intensity central to the sport. Ganassi’s continued involvement and veteran wisdom combined with Palou’s ambition signal a promising future for their team and the broader IndyCar community.
