SPEEDWAY, Ind. -- Alexander Rossi, winner of the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, received his winner's ring on Wednesday.
The ring was presented to Rossi by Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles and Ken Keltner of Herff Jones.
"The ring is significant because this is the first year that we changed the design just for the 100th running," said Keltner. "The ring represents the 100th running at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and it's the only time this ring will be presented to a winner."
Now that's a Ring, @AlexanderRossi! pic.twitter.com/7BHlCfEjlW
— Ind. Motor Speedway (@IMS) May 3, 2017
Rossi, a rookie from California, won the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 last year by stretching his fuel just a bit longer than the leaders in the final laps. He ran out just short of pit road as he completed his victory lap.
RELATED | Rookie Alexander Rossi wins the 100th Indianapolis 500 on an empty tank of gas | Alexander Rossi earns $2.5 million for Indy 500 win
"You are worth every diamond and all the 14 karat gold in it because you were a diamond in the rough last year coming from nowhere as a rookie, going on fumes and you have made an inspiration and an impact on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that will be here forever," Keltner said to Rossi.
Rossi said he had no idea the significance of the ring until it was presented to him Wednesday afternoon.
"It won't come out of the box very often, it will definitely be a showcase thing," said Rossi.
You can watch his full ring presentation in the video player below.
The 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 will be Sunday, May 28 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
