It has been 192 days since Alexander Rossi pulled off his fuel-saving victory in the epic 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented at PennGrade Motor Oil. Today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Rossi’s dramatic triumphed will have its lasting presence cast when his likeness on the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy is revealed.
Fans are invited to attend the ceremony, available with paid admission to the museum, at 5 p.m. ET. Rossi, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles and other dignitaries are expected to attend. The ceremony will also be streamed live on IndyCar.com and IMS.com.
The Borg-Warner Trophy, created in 1936, features the bas relief likenesses of every winning driver in the 100-race history of the Indianapolis 500. Rossi, from California, became the first American to win the Indy 500 since Louis Meyer in 1928.
The No. 98 Andretti-Herta Autosport Honda that powered Rossi to the victory will be presented to the IMS Museum at 10 a.m. Thursday during the 29th annual Performance Racing Industry trade show in Indianapolis.
David Bowen, who owns the No. 98 Dallara IR-12 chassis that is being presented to the museum, said, "I am very honored to be presenting this car to the museum where it rightfully belongs, representing Alexander Rossi's victory in the historic 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500. The car is going into the museum on behalf of Michael (Andretti) and Bryan (Herta) and all of the members of Andretti-Herta Autosport who made it happen."
Rossi was also nominated for the Rookie of the Year award at the prestigious Autosport Awards 2016 announced Dec. 4 in London. Pascal Wehrlein, Formula One driver for the Manor Racing team where Rossi served as a reserve driver this season, won the award.
Simon Pagenaud, the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series champion, was nominated in the International Racing Driver of the Year category, but that honor went to F1 champion Nico Rosberg.
Penske to receive 2017 Horatio Alger Award
Roger Penske, owner of the most successful team in Indy car history and chairman of Penske Corporation, has been selected for membership in the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans and will be inducted into the prestigious organization March 30-April 1 in Washington, D.C.
The Horatio Alger Association honors the achievements of outstanding individuals and encourages youth to pursue their dreams through higher education. Penske joins 10 other esteemed business and civic leaders from across North America receiving the honor in 2017. For the last 70 years, the Horatio Alger Award has been annually bestowed upon admirable leaders who have succeeded despite facing adversity and who are committed to higher education and charitable efforts in their local communities.
"Roger's strong work ethic and determination to reach his goals is admirable and inspiring," said Byron Trott, president of the Horatio Alger Association and 2011 Horatio Alger Award recipient. "My fellow members and I congratulate Roger on his induction into the association, recognizing his self-made success, entrepreneurial vision and commitment to giving back. We look forward to working with him to further encourage our scholars to follow their dreams, no matter the adversities they face."
Karting competition added to ‘USAC Battle at the Brickyard’
Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the United States Auto Club announced that a karting competition has been added to the annual "USAC Battle at the Brickyard" weekend July 6-9 that includes the USAC .25 Midget series (formerly known as quarter midgets).
"This is the first major karting competition to ever take place at IMS," said USAC President Kevin Miller. "What a tremendous opportunity for so many drivers to experience the history and excitement of racing at such an iconic venue."
The race course will use the north section of the IMS road course and include some of the widest sections ever utilized in kart racing. It will be just over 1 mile in length. There will be classes for drivers ages 12 and up, including club and national level classes featuring Briggs & Stratton, Yamaha, Honda, Rotax and specialty karting engines. The event is closed to the public.
"Many of the legendary champions that have driven at IMS got their start in karting," said Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles. "Partnering with USAC to bring this race here is a great chance to further engage with grassroots drivers and fans. We're looking forward to a really fun and competitive event in July."
INDYCAR drivers appearing at PRI trade show
Several Verizon IndyCar Series drivers will appear at this week’s mammoth Performance Racing Industry trade show at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
Pippa Mann, a veteran of five Indianapolis 500s, will conduct a question-and-answer session at 2 p.m. ET Thursday at the Bell Helmets booth. Graham Rahal of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing will be at the PennGrade Motor Oil display from 1-2 p.m. ET Friday. Chip Ganassi Racing’s Charlie Kimball is making appearances at the Racing Optics booth Saturday at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. ET.