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Indy 500 winner’s wreath made debut in 1960

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) – The Borg Warner Victory Lane wreath made its debut in 1960 when winner Jim Rathman was the first to don the wreath.

The wreath is constructed using a round 24 inch Styrofoam base. On the base you will find 30 feet of red white and blue stripped ribbon, 70 feet of green floral tape, 60 small checkered flags, 250 steel picks, a pound of hot glue, handcrafted letters spelling Borg Warner, 33 white orchids representing 33 drivers in the field and 33 small tubes filled with water for the flowers.

The only wreath now assembled for presentation in Victory Lane was created to honor two time Indy champ Dan Wheldon at his memorial tribute.

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