Crafting a Champion’s Legacy: Bennett Awards at the 71st Gold Cup Race of Champions
71st Gold Cup Race of Champions, designed by Bennett Awards
Part 1: The Ask – Honoring Racing Excellence at a Historic Event
In August 2025, the 71st annual Gold Cup Race of Champions took place at the historic Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California. As one of the oldest and most prestigious sprint car races in the country, this event draws national attention from fans and drivers alike. The race spans four days and culminates in a $100,071 grand prize, attracting elite drivers from across North America. This year, it also marked a historic milestone as 19-year-old Corey Day secured his third consecutive Gold Cup title, a feat only previously achieved by the legendary Steve Kinser.
To commemorate such a high-profile victory, Kyle Larson (NASCAR Champion) and Brad Sweet (World of Outlaws Champion)—track owners and promoters through SLC Promotions—reached out to Bennett Awards. Having previously admired our work, Larson sent photos of past Bennett trophies with a request: create a unique, elegant, and elevated custom Gold Cup that would stand out among all others. This was not just another trophy—it would represent the pinnacle of achievement in West Coast sprint car racing.
We were honored to take on the project, especially considering the strong local ties many of the racers have to Placerville, California, home to one of the oldest dirt racetracks—and to Bennett Awards.
Part 2: From Vision to Reality – The Design Process and Collaboration
The vision for this Gold Cup trophy was clear from the start: tall, sleek, modern, and reflective of movement and speed. Kyle Larson provided initial inspiration in the form of past Bennett designs, with the idea to blend gold and silver plating and create something elegant yet bold—a piece that would instantly command attention.
Despite having ample time, the collaboration unfolded efficiently. Larson arrived with a fairly well-defined concept and visual references. From there, Bennett’s design team quickly developed multiple concepts incorporating the desired materials, structure, and artistic elements. The feedback loop was quick and positive—Larson’s response to the initial mock-ups was totally enthusiastic and appreciative of the Bennett team’s abilities to make his vision a reality.
One of the more interesting challenges was deviating from the traditional cup form. Most iconic cup trophies, like the Stanley Cup, feature handles and silversmithing. But Larson wanted a departure from that—something that felt new and modern, without losing gravitas. The solution? A sculptural, machined aluminum form that flares at the top and bottom and narrows in the middle, giving it an elegant, hourglass silhouette with an octagonal base and machined ridges that suggest motion and speed—ideal for a racing award.
The materials were as refined as the design: the upper portion was gold-plated, while the base featured nickel silver plating. The final height came in at 22 inches, a striking presence on any podium.
Part 3: The Final Trophy – Where Art Meets Speed
The finished Gold Cup trophy is a masterclass in modern award design. Elegantly standing almost two feet tall, its striking silhouette is anything but traditional. Gone are the handles and ornate flourishes; instead, the award features a streamlined pillar form, flaring out like the burst of a finish-line flag and narrowing in the middle to reflect movement and velocity.
The machined ridges not only add visual intrigue but also serve a symbolic purpose—evoking the curvature of a racetrack, the acceleration of a car, and the intensity of competition. The contrast between gold and nickel silver plating creates a dynamic, elegant visual experience, and the base of the trophy is octagonal, adding an unexpected geometric element that sets it apart even further. The result is a trophy that feels futuristic and classic at the same time—a true symbol of excellence for the fastest drivers in the sport.
As a whole, the award feels worthy of a champion—not just in scale, but in meaning.
Part 4: Impact and Legacy – The Trophy in the Spotlight
The 71st Gold Cup Race of Champions, broadcast nationally via FloRacing, drew tens of thousands of viewers online and thousands more in attendance at Silver Dollar Speedway. With 67 pre-registered drivers, the event was a marquee moment in sprint car racing. The custom trophy stood as a visual centerpiece throughout the weekend—seen on stage, in promotional content, and shared widely on social media.
When Corey Day hoisted the trophy, it became part of history. At just 19 years old, Day joined Steve Kinser as the only driver to win the Gold Cup three times in a row—a historic achievement that fans and commentators alike recognized as a passing-of-the-torch moment in sprint car racing.
Feedback from Larson and the event organizers was glowing:
“The event was great and everyone loved the trophy… It looks awesome, thank you!”
Beyond the spectacle, the trophy served a broader purpose: elevating the perception of sprint car racing awards and demonstrating how a well-designed trophy can commemorate excellence, elevate brand prestige, and create lasting emotional impact. In a sport that balances grassroots passion with national attention, the right award matters—and this one delivered.
At Bennett Awards, we don’t just create trophies—we create moments. Moments that celebrate achievement, capture identity, and stand the test of time. The Gold Cup project reminded us how meaningful our work can be—not just to our clients, but to entire communities of fans, athletes, and legends in the making.
