“The trophy is very beautiful, also very heavy,” Rossi said. “It was an exciting day because the conditions were terrible, but we were able to make a great race and I am happy to be the first MotoGP rider to take home this trophy. I was very happy to win in Indianapolis because it’s such a historic place and this was also the first race.”
Something about the podium celebration Sept. 14 at the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP looked quite familiar to Rick Kottlowski.
“That’s Grandpa’s trophy!” Kottlowski said.
The top three finishers in the first MotoGP race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway– winner Valentino Rossi, second place Nicky Hayden and third place Jorge Lorenzo – each held a piece of IMS history on that podium in more ways than one. They raised unique podium finishers’ trophies that were designed to resemble the cup-style awards presented to winners of the first motor races at IMS, motorcycle events in August 1909.
Kottlowski’s grandfather, Paul E. Kottlowski, was one of the winners during that first day of racing at IMS. He was presented one of the cups, which he then displayed on a wooden base inside his Indianapolis home.
The cup remained there until Indianapolis electrical contractor Rick Kottlowski visited the IMS Hall of Fame Museum shortly before the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP was announced in July 2007. He offered to loan his grandfather’s trophy to the Museum’s collection. The Museum staff graciously accepted the offer and invited Kottlowski to the ceremonies at which the inaugural race was announced.
That vintage cup inspired IMS officials when they later designed the trophies for the inaugural MotoGP race at the Brickyard. The decision to base the new awards on his grandfather’s cup thrilled Kottlowski and his 87-year-old aunt Helen Kottlowski, Paul E. Kottlowski’s daughter.
“It was very, very similar,” Kottlowski said of the resemblance between the two trophies. “We recognized it immediately. My aunt even called me and said, ‘They got a picture of Grandpa’s trophy in the paper.’
“I was really flattered. I just love the Speedway.”
Rossi, Hayden and Lorenzo each have collected their share of shiny hardware during their careers, but they also appreciated the unique, old-school look of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP trophies.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” 2006 MotoGP World Champion Hayden said. “It’s right up there with one of my favorite trophies and is sitting in my museum in a key place.
“I’ve never seen a track embrace history and tradition like Indy. The whole weekend was so special. I think that’s what helps make the Brickyard so unique. Keep the tradition alive. There’s no one better.”
Six-time and reigning MotoGP World Champion Rossi passed Hayden for the lead on Lap 14 of the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP, which was shortened to just 20 laps due to torrential rain and high winds that were the remnants of Hurricane Ike.
“The trophy is very beautiful, also very heavy,” Rossi said. “It was an exciting day because the conditions were terrible, but we were able to make a great race and I am happy to be the first MotoGP rider to take home this trophy.
“I was very happy to win in Indianapolis because it’s such a historic place and this was also the first race.”
Lorenzo hunted Hayden in the rain and was prepared to challenge for second when the race was ended early due to weather. Still, Lorenzo was ecstatic since he said it was his first top-three finish in a wet-weather race in his career.
“Indianapolis was a great race for me because it is maybe the most famous racetrack in the world and I was able to get on the podium, and in the rain, which I have found very hard in the past,” Lorenzo said. “The trophy we received is extra special, and I like the fact that it resembles the one from the first bike race. Next time I hope I can take the winner’s cup!”
The second annual Red Bull Indianapolis GP is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009. Rossi and Lorenzo will return as teammates for the Fiat Yamaha Team, while Hayden has moved from the Repsol Honda Team to the Ducati Team for the 2009 season.
Kottlowski was unable to attend the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP, but he plans to be at the race in 2009 to see a connection to his family’s history raised once again on the podium.
“I would definitely love to,” Kottlowski said.
2009 Red Bull Indianapolis GP tickets: The second annual Red Bull Indianapolis GP is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 30, two weeks earlier than this year’s date.
A three-day event ticket for a reserved seat or general admission can be renewed online at the Tickets section at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com. Fans also can request an upgrade of their reserved Race Day tickets at the Tickets section.
Ticket applications for new customers also are being accepted. New customers are encouraged to order early to secure the best available seats.
