Four-time and reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou not only earned his first Indianapolis 500 victory on May 25, he also became the first Spaniard to cross the Yard of Bricks first in "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
Palou captured the win in the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge driving the No. 10 DHL Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing. As part of the yearlong celebration, he traveled with the Borg-Warner Trophy to his native Spain this past week to continue the festivities.
This marks the first time the famed Borg-Warner Trophy has traveled to Spain. Originally designed in 1935, the sterling silver trophy stands more than 5 feet, 4¾ inches tall and weighs over 110 pounds, carrying the sculpted faces of every Indianapolis 500 winner since 1911 as well as former IMS owner Tony Hulman.
“Super special to have for the first time the Borg-Warner (Trophy) in Spain,” Palou said. “Pretty cool that we made that happen and that I get to celebrate with the cities, the country, all the fans, my family, getting to special places with cool pictures that I’m going to have forever. Super rewarding. Very motivating for the future to try and do it again and get more of these opportunities and get this trophy here more often."
Palou’s Spanish tour began Monday, Dec. 1, at the AS Sport Gala in Madrid. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, he visited the DHL Barcelona Town Halls, completed interviews with SPORT and Mundo Deportivo, and attended the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid. He presented a custom helmet to the club and the Borg-Warner Trophy was displayed in the President’s Box.
On Wednesday, Dec. 3, Palou continued his media appearances with Diari ARA, Catalunya Radio and then visited Movistar for a welcome reception and content taping. He also participated in a photo shoot at Plaza España Terrace of Palacio de Cibeles.
On Thursday, Dec. 4, he conducted interviews with El Partidazo and El Larguero, Spain’s largest national sports radio program.
His final day, Friday, Dec. 5, included more interviews with Agencia EFE, El País, MARCA and El Mundo.
The DHL stop while in Spain was by design. The company isn’t just a proud sponsor of Palou’s car, it also helped provide the aircraft that transported the Borg-Warner Trophy overseas and back.
“It was an honor for us at DHL Express to deliver the Borg-Warner Trophy to Spain for the first time,” said Richard Saavedra, SVP, Network Operations, DHL Express U.S. “As the international specialists, we were uniquely positioned to make it happen – and we were thrilled to help make history in Alex’s home country and create something truly special. Celebrating the Indianapolis 500 win and an incredible championship season with our employees and fans across Spain and here in the U.S. has been an absolute joy. And now, with an exciting 2026 season ahead, we’re proud to stand alongside the Chip Ganassi Racing team and look forward to achieving even more success together.”
Overall, the trip was a moment Palou could have never dreamed of as a kid growing up in Spain.
“No, absolutely not,” Palou said. “When I was part of INDYCAR, that’s what you dream. But no, never, I would have never thought that I’d be an INDYCAR driver, but to be an Indy 500 winner and bring the Borg-Warner to Spain.”
Tickets for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and all Month of May events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are on sale at IMS.com.
