AN ICONIC trophy from the world of motorsport arrived in Bradford today for only its second trip outside of the US in 82 years.

The Borg Warner trophy stands at 5ft 4” tall and is valued at $3.5million, but this morning it was put on display for staff at the company’s plant in Bradford to see in all its glory.

The workforce at Bradford’s arm of the global company - which is situated at the Euroway Industrial Estate, in Roydsdale Way, and responsible for making turbocharges for both passenger and commercial vehicles - were able to pose for photographs with the silverware, which was transported to the UK in three separate pieces.

The unique prize was visiting as part of a whistle stop tour of the UK, which has already seen it visit Borg Warner’s factory in Oxford before it visits the company’s site in Gateshead tomorrow.

It is given to the winner of the Indianapolis 500, a 500 mile race held every year since 1911 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, and stands alone in its design, history and creativity.

Not only does the winner receive the trophy, but a miniature sculpture of their face is crafted by an artist and fixed to the body of the award.

Graham Hill, Dario Franchitti and Jacques Villeneuve are among the 104 winners that grace the renowned trophy.

In charge of the trophy during its visit is Steve Shunck, an American who boasts an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the gong.

“It has got a wonderful reception and everyone loves it,” he said.

“It’s kind of neat in a way because it’s got a face on it, and has three elements in art, history and motorsport.

“Anyone who doesn’t have an interest in motorsport can still appreciate it.”

Although the race was first held in 1911, the trophy was not created until 1935, and given out for the first time in 1936.

All of the winner’s faces feature on it, along with the year they won and the average speed they completed the race in.

Some sections are adorned with two faces to signify joint winners when two drivers would share the driving and change places behind the wheel.

Andy Clayton, a senior operations manager at Borg Warner Bradford, said a main part of the company’s culture was involving staff and making them feel part of a successful team.

He added: “Everyone on site has the opportunity to come down and have their photograph taken with it.

“A very important part of Borg Warner is its culture and integration.”