By: Spencer Neff
November 21, 2025

The holiday season is almost here and the calendar will turn over to 2026.

While on-track action may be waiting, there were multiple items of note this week concerning the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Take a look-

Palou’s likeness unveiled on Borg-Warner Trophy

Although the inaugural edition of the Indianapolis 500 was run in 1911, it would be a quarter-century before the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy would be unveiled to commemorate each winner of the race.

On Wednesday, 2025 winner Alex Palou was on hand to help unveil his likeness, the 112th on the trophy (1924 featured co-drivers LL Forum and Joe Boyer, 1941 saw Floyd Davis and Mauri Rose’s victory commemorated.

“This is one of those days that I knew I wanted to be part of at some point in my career,” The Chip Ganassi Racing driver said. “I knew it was going take a lot of work, and finally to be here and to get to see the trophy for the first time, it’s amazing.

Palou won his first Indianapolis 500 in six attempts during a dominant season that ended with his third consecutive INDYCAR Championship and fourth in five years.

He became the seventh driver to win a “Baby Borg” (replica of the 64.75-inch sterling silver trophy) for Car Owner Chip Ganassi.

Sculptor Will Behrends made the clay model for the winner’s face, which he has done since 1990.

“I’m honored to continue one of the greatest traditions in all of sports and unveil the latest addition to the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy at this beautiful venue,” said Michelle Collins, global director, Marketing and Public Relations, BorgWarner.

“Alex’s victory exemplifies that tenacity and constant commitment to excellence will result in success, on and off the track. On behalf of everyone at BorgWarner, congratulations to Alex and the team at Chip Ganassi Racing.

Palou and Ganassi will each be presented with a personal “Baby Borg” in early 2026.

Header Image: INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway president J. Douglas Boles during Wednesday night’s presentation.

Java House named title sponsor for inaugural Arlington street race

The Grand Prix of Arlington, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ third event in as many weeks to kick off 2026, will be one of the most anticipated in recent memory. The inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington in Texas.

Announced in October 2024, the race on the 2.73-mile, 14-turn road course will be hosted in part by the MLB (Major League Baseball) Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL (National Football League). Both team’s stadiums will be within view of the track.

On Thursday, Java House was unveiled as the race’s title sponsor .

The sponsorship marks an expanded footprint for Java House and its American parent company, Heartland Food Products Group. Late in 2024, HFPG CEO Ted Gelov became co-owner of Ed Carpenter Racing. Java House was also named title sponsor for the Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca prior to its July 2025 race.

“We’re thrilled to have Java House join us as the Title Sponsor of the Grand Prix of Arlington,” said Bill Miller, President of the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington.

“Their deep connection to INDYCAR and passion for innovation make them the perfect partner to help introduce this event to fans in North Texas. Together, we’re creating a world-class racing experience that will unite the community and set the tone for years to come.”

2026’s Java House Grand Prix of Arlington will be the first race contested on a temporary street circuit in the state of Texas since Houston did so with various layouts between 1998-2001, 2006-2007 and 2013-2014.

Image By INDYCAR/Grand Prix of Arlington