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Hurricane Helene Disrupts Indy 500 Traditions

The Indianapolis 500 is steeped in traditions, but this year, Will Behrends, the artist responsible for crafting the likeness of the race winner on the esteemed Borg-Warner Trophy, faced disruptions due to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene formed in the Caribbean Sea in September, swiftly escalating to a Category 4 storm within four days. It swept through the Gulf of Mexico and made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region. With winds reaching a staggering 137 mph, the storm left destruction across multiple states including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Tragically, Helene resulted in over 230 fatalities, marking it as the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland U.S. since Katrina in 2005.

Located in Polk County, Tryon, North Carolina, with a population of about 1,600, was one of the affected areas. North Carolina suffered significantly from flooding, mudslides, fallen trees, washed-out roads, and damaged infrastructure, leaving more than 700,000 residents without electricity.

Despite the widespread devastation, Behrends considers himself fortunate. “There’s a lot of destruction around us,” he recounted. “For two weeks, my wife and I volunteered, helping others with supplies.” He noted that while they were without power, they managed with a generator and Starlink internet, enabling them to return to a semblance of normalcy.

The Borg-Warner Trophy Process

Coincidentally, Helene struck during the week when Josef Newgarden, who had won the previous two Indy 500 races, was scheduled for a sitting with Behrends. This sitting is crucial for the finalization of the life-sized clay model before transitioning to a smaller silver cast for the trophy. With the storm causing upheaval, Behrends had to pause his work just as he was completing the clay model.

Using a generator for household power, Behrends found himself relying on natural light to continue sculpting, stymied by the lack of electricity. “This year was already challenging due to the retirement of my longtime collaborator responsible for silver casting,” he noted. “And then the storm complicates everything further.”

“Nothing progressed for two weeks,” Behrends lamented, “which coincided with Josef’s intended visit. Gaining direct contact with the winner is invaluable for capturing the essence of the portrait; photographs can only do so much.” This disruption pushed him closer to relying on techniques he hadn’t used in over a decade.

Behrends began creating life-sized models following Juan Pablo Montoya’s second victory in 2015, enhancing the process significantly compared to his previous methods which depended on brief, post-race sittings. Helene’s impact not only hindered his progress but also forced him to adapt to an outdated approach just as his artistic practice was evolving.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite the hurdles, Behrends was ultimately able to meet the deadline. “It came down to the wire,” he reflected. “Fortunately, we delivered a quality product on time, but it was a chaotic period.”

Throughout his esteemed 50-year career, Behrends has created many notable pieces, including sculptures of famous Major League Baseball players. The pride he feels in sculpting Newgarden’s likeness, especially given the challenges posed by the hurricane, is palpable. “I am truly satisfied with this work,” he stated, recognizing the challenge of reinvention year after year in his craft.

A Celebration Amidst Tragedy

Newgarden, who made history by becoming the first driver to win back-to-back Indy 500s since Helio Castroneves in 2001-02, finally had his likeness unveiled earlier this month at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The ceremony was a moment of joy, underscoring Behrends’ resilience and dedication to his craft despite the natural disaster. “I think it just speaks volumes about Will’s character,” Newgarden remarked, praising the artist’s professionalism in overcoming the challenges of the year.

Hurricane Helene’s impact on North Carolina alone is estimated to have caused around $53 billion in damages, displacing many and destroying thousands of homes and businesses. Behrends described the local devastation, mourning the loss of beloved community spots including a restaurant that was washed away.

While the hurricane spared one of BorgWarner’s facilities in Asheville, where Behrends creates his works, the broader impact was devastating. Michelle Collins, BorgWarner’s Global Director of Marketing, empathized with those affected and commended Behrends’ perseverance during such trying circumstances.

Looking to the future, there are hopes for Newgarden to make history again by capturing a third consecutive Indianapolis 500 victory in 2025, which would provide him an opportunity to return and meet Behrends. “It was unfortunate we couldn’t connect this year,” Newgarden stated, “but I hope to return and visit Will if I win again.”

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