Resilience in Art: Sculptor Navigates Hurricane's Wrath to Honor Indy 500 Champion

In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on the southeastern United States, including its reach into the heart of North Carolina, a local artist has had to confront the unique challenges of continuing a cherished tradition linked to the Indianapolis 500. Will Behrends, a sculptor renowned for crafting the likeness of the race winner for the legendary Borg-Warner Trophy, found himself navigating the aftermath of the hurricane while striving to complete his latest work for two-time Indy 500 champion Josef Newgarden. Hurricane Helene, which formed in the Caribbean in September, rapidly intensified into a Category 4 storm, wreaking havoc across several states with winds reaching 137 mph. The storm left over 230 people dead, marking its place as one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. For Behrends and his community in Tryon, North Carolina, the storm brought destruction in the form of flood damage, downed trees, and power outages, affecting a significant portion of the population. Despite the turmoil surrounding him, Behrends considered himself fortunate. "There's a lot of devastation around us," he reflected, noting that he and his wife were able to maintain some normalcy with the help of a generator and satellite internet. Nevertheless, their community faced immense challenges, with many losing their homes and livelihoods. The couple dedicated their time to volunteer efforts during the recovery period, assisting neighbors in need. The timing of the storm could not have been worse for Behrends. He was set to finalize Newgarden’s life-sized clay model during the week that Helene hit. This process is critical to his work, as it allows him to engage directly with the winner—a vital aspect of capturing the nuances of their likeness. However, the hurricane disrupted this tradition, forcing Behrends to rely on natural light and limited access to his studio for two critical weeks. Compounding his difficulties, Behrends faced additional pressures this year with the retirement of a key collaborator who had assisted him with the silver casting for the trophy. "Nothing got done for two weeks because we had no power for 12 days. And that was during the time that Josef was going to come here," he explained. The combination of logistical challenges and the struggle to maintain the integrity of his work weighed heavily on him. Yet, despite these obstacles, the sculptor was able to meet the deadline, unveiling Newgarden’s likeness earlier this month in a ceremony at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event was a moment of pride for Behrends, who has dedicated his career to crafting statues of sporting icons, with the Borg-Warner Trophy being a highlight of his 50 years in sculpture. "This one I am satisfied with," he said, acknowledging the unique challenges posed by this year’s work and his commitment to evolving his craft year after year. Newgarden, who made history as the first driver to win back-to-back Indy 500s since Helio Castroneves, expressed admiration for Behrends’ resilience. "I think it just speaks to Will's character," he remarked, noting the difficulties faced by those in the region affected by Helene. His praise highlighted the bond formed between artist and athlete, particularly in light of the extraordinary circumstances that surrounded the creation of his award. As North Carolina grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which inflicted an estimated $53 billion in damages, the community continues to rally together. Behrends has emerged as a symbol of perseverance, demonstrating that while the storm may have disrupted traditions, the spirit of craftsmanship and community remains unbroken. His work on the Borg-Warner Trophy serves not just as a tribute to racing excellence but also as a testament to the resilience of those affected by the hurricane. Looking forward, Behrends and Newgarden both express hope for future collaborations, with the possibility of Newgarden aiming for a third consecutive victory in the Indy 500. As Behrends puts it, the challenge lies not just in the technical aspects of his work but in continuously finding inspiration to push the boundaries of his craft, even amidst the shadows of nature's fury.