Indianapolis, Indiana – Alex Palou’s remarkable 2024 season continues to ripple far beyond Victory Lane, stretching all the way to the streets and stadiums of his home country. In a year that has already rewritten INDYCAR history, the four-time and reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion capped off his greatest achievement—winning the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge—by taking one of motorsport’s most treasured symbols on an unforgettable trip across Spain.
The visit marked more than a personal homecoming. It became a nationwide celebration of a milestone few believed possible when Palou was just a young karting hopeful: a Spaniard crossing the famed Yard of Bricks first in what the world reveres as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” His victory on May 25 did not only make him a first-time Indy 500 champion; it elevated him to the status of national hero, drawing thousands of supporters eager to share a rare moment of racing history returning to Spanish soil.
Bringing the Borg-Warner Trophy to Spain for the first time added another layer of amazement. Built in 1935, the towering sterling-silver monument stands more than 5 feet tall, weighs over 110 pounds, and is etched with the sculpted faces of every Indy 500 winner since 1911. The trophy’s presence—so familiar inside the walls of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum—became an emotional centerpiece of the tour, shining beneath new skylines and stirring the imagination of fans who had followed Palou’s rise with pride.
“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.”
From the moment he landed on Monday, Dec. 1, Palou entered a whirlwind of interviews, ceremonies, and community events that mirrored the energy of a championship parade. His first stop, the AS Sport Gala in Madrid, set the tone for the week—spotlights, cheers, and a deep sense of national pride. The Borg-Warner Trophy, set beside him like a silent co-star, drew its own share of admiration.
The following day, Dec. 2, Palou moved to Barcelona, where his presence turned the DHL Barcelona Town Halls into a celebration zone. After interviews with SPORT and Mundo Deportivo, the champion appeared at a high-profile La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid. Before kickoff, he presented the club with a custom helmet—a tribute that merged regional passion with global racing prestige. Meanwhile, the Borg-Warner Trophy stood in the President’s Box, glimmering under stadium lights in an extraordinary crossover moment between motorsport and football culture.
Wednesday, Dec. 3, brought Palou face-to-face with more Spanish media voices, including Diari ARA and Catalunya Radio, before he traveled to Movistar for a welcome ceremony and content recording. A photo shoot followed at the Plaza España Terrace of the Palacio de Cibeles, creating images certain to become iconic in Palou’s growing career archive.
By Thursday, Dec. 4, the champion’s schedule continued to intensify. He joined El Partidazo and El Larguero, Spain’s most widely followed sports radio programs, offering listeners a chance to hear firsthand what it meant to carry a trophy so symbolic of American motorsport through the country where his racing dreams began.
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His final day, Friday, Dec. 5, featured another round of conversations with major outlets—Agencia EFE, El País, MARCA, and El Mundo—each seeking to understand not only the achievement but also the mindset behind such an extraordinary season.
Crucial to the trophy’s international journey was DHL, which plays a major role in Palou’s racing life as a primary sponsor. The company’s involvement went far beyond logos on the No. 10 Honda; DHL provided the aircraft and logistical know-how to safely transport the massive and fragile Borg-Warner Trophy across the Atlantic Ocean.
“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.”
For Palou, the chance to bring not only his victory but the physical symbol of that victory home was something he never imagined as a child.
“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.”
As the tour wrapped up, one thing became clear: this was more than a celebration of a single race. It was a moment of cultural pride, a showcase of international racing excellence, and a reminder that sports can bridge countries and generations. Palou’s journey from a young racer in Spain to an international champion has now reached a new height—one marked not only by medals and statistics but by shared memories, nationwide excitement, and a trophy that briefly left its American home to honor a driver who has become a global star.
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.
