Hunter-Reay and Borg-Warner Trophy Make Waves on Capitol Hill

2014 Indianapolis 500 champion Ryan Hunter-Reay and the Borg-Warner Trophy made the rounds on Capitol Hill, including meeting Speaker Of The House, Paul Ryan. (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC Photography)
2014 Indianapolis 500 champion Ryan Hunter-Reay and the Borg-Warner Trophy made the rounds on Capitol Hill, including meeting Speaker Of The House, Paul Ryan. (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC Photography)

Hunter-Reay and Borg-Warner Trophy Make Waves on Capitol Hill

Verizon IndyCar Series driver and 2014 Indianapolis 500 champion Ryan Hunter-Reay took the world-famous Borg-Warner Trophy to Washington, D.C., yesterday as part of ongoing 100th Running of the Indy 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil celebrations.

Hunter-Reay and the trophy caught up with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and presented the Speaker with his own 100th Running racing helmet for display. With the Borg-Warner by his side, Hunter-Reay was also able to stop by the iconic “Speaker’s Balcony” for a photo framed by the National Mall.

“It was cool taking it all in and it is one of those experiences that you relish,” said Hunter-Reay. “This is a very proud moment for me, as an American (Indianapolis 500) winner in our nation’s capital with the powers that be discussing the Indy 500 and the road to victory.”

Later in the day, Hunter-Reay caused quite a scene in the Capitol building’s Statuary Hall, posing with the trophy as onlookers stopped for photos. He also met with his hometown member, Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL22).

To cap things off, “Captain America” as he’s known in racing circles, and the Borg-Warner Trophy were featured at a reception hosted by Reps. Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) and Andre Carson (D-IN7). Several members of Congress from districts that include Verizon IndyCar Series tracks were also in attendance, as was former Hoosier U.S. Sen. Richard G. Lugar.

“The Indy 500 is one of a very few events in the country that is 100 years old, and it’s right here in our city,” Rep. Carson said. “It’s an iconic event and I’m glad I got to share it with my Congressional colleagues today.”

“The month of May in Indiana is defined by the Indianapolis 500,” said Rep. Brooks. “As we celebrate the 100th running of this great race, I’m so pleased to join Rep. Carson in welcoming 2014 Indianapolis 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles to the Capitol. I’m excited to share the Borg-Warner Trophy and the Indianapolis 500 with my colleagues in Congress.”

For a complete media gallery of the visit, click here.