Indianapolis, Indiana – When a young driver takes their first lap in the Indianapolis 500, they do more than chase speed—they begin a journey toward racing immortality. And now, for the brightest newcomer each year, there’s a brand-new symbol of that achievement.
Starting with the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, the race’s top rookie will receive the Ray Harroun Trophy, a newly created award that pays tribute to the legacy of the 500’s first-ever winner. The new trophy is a major addition to the tradition-rich world of IndyCar and aims to elevate the importance of being named Rookie of the Year.
Since 1936, the Borg-Warner Trophy has stood as the ultimate prize at the Speedway, an instantly recognizable symbol awarded to the winner of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” But with the debut of the Ray Harroun Trophy, there’s now a companion piece that celebrates the next generation of drivers—those who show brilliance in their very first Indy 500.
The new award is the brainchild of Penske Entertainment Corp. graphic designer Ian Bartlett, who took on the task of creating a design that would not only reflect the legacy of rookie excellence but also carry the weight of the race’s rich history.
“I think drivers shouldn’t just chase the accolade; they should covet the hardware, as well,” Bartlett said. “It should be something they want. Any achievement at the Speedway is a significant one. It needs to have a trophy that matches its significance.”
To design something worthy of that ambition, Bartlett went to the source. He spoke with people within Penske Entertainment who had deep knowledge of the race’s history. The name Ray Harroun came up again and again. It quickly became clear that the 1911 Indy 500 champion was the right choice to represent rookie greatness.
“I asked all who had the best rookie year, and they all said the same person,” Bartlett said. “I asked, ‘Who do you think deserves the trophy?’ and they all said the same person. So, whenever that came to light, I was like, ‘Well, it has to be Ray Harroun.’”
Harroun, who drove the iconic Marmon “Wasp” to victory in the first Indianapolis 500, was a trailblazer in every sense. He was credited with introducing the world’s first rearview mirror to avoid the need for a riding mechanic, a bold move at the time that helped him secure victory.
Bartlett dove into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s photo archives and pored over countless images of Harroun and the Wasp. One particular photo stood out—a motion-blurred image of the Wasp during the 1911 race, appearing to tilt forward due to the camera shutter speeds of that era. Inspired by the image, Bartlett used it as the basis for the new trophy’s design.
Working closely with the team at Jostens, a longtime Indy 500 awards partner, Bartlett’s vision was brought to life. The trophy is a three-dimensional resin-printed replica based on the famous photo, mounted on a wooden base with a sleek nameplate. It’s a striking piece of craftsmanship designed to last for generations.
Though this is the first time the Rookie of the Year trophy is officially named after Harroun, the race’s history does include earlier connections between the award and the racing pioneer. The Rookie of the Year honor was first presented in 1952 to Art Cross, and from the 1970s through the early 1990s, past versions of the award featured Harroun’s image. However, the new trophy marks the first time his name is formally part of the recognition.
Sponsorship for the trophy comes from the American Dairy Association Indiana, which continues its long-running tradition of supporting the race and its winners. The trophy’s launch reaffirms the significance of making an impact in a first attempt at the Speedway, something Bartlett wants the design to emphasize.
“I hope this sticks around for a long time,” Bartlett said. “Winning Rookie of the Year is not a footnote. It’s a milestone, and I think the trophy should reflect that.”
Rookies have long brought energy and excitement to the Indy 500, and many of them have gone on to have legendary careers. With the Ray Harroun Trophy now in play, the recognition of their early success takes on a new level of prestige.
While the Borg-Warner Trophy may symbolize the pinnacle of victory, the Ray Harroun Trophy gives emerging stars a legacy of their own to chase—rooted in the bold spirit of the race’s first champion and aimed squarely at the future of open-wheel racing.
As the field of 33 lines up once again this May, one driver will not only aim to survive 500 miles of heart-pounding competition but will also carry the hopes of becoming the first to hoist this stunning new tribute. The road to rookie glory just got a lot more meaningful.
