Verizon IndyCar Series driver Ryan Hunter-Reay made the rounds at Capitol Hill with a close friend today – the Borg-Warner Trophy.

Hunter-Reay, the 2012 series champion and 2014 Indianapolis 500 winner, toured the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., with the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy featuring bas relief sculptures of every Indianapolis 500 winner’s face. The event was designed to build additional national momentum for the historic 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil this May.

Hunter-Reay met with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan from Wisconsin and several other members of Congress this morning.

“It was a huge honor,” Hunter-Reay said. “It was something new to me. I was surprised by the amount of interest in the Indy 500 and the Borg-Warner. I appreciate the House of Representatives for having us and celebrating one of America’s greatest traditions, the Indy 500.”

Hunter-Reay also met with Congressman Andre Carson from Indianapolis in the morning and was set to meet a number of others in the afternoon, including Indiana Congresswoman Susan Brooks and representatives from districts where other Verizon IndyCar Series races are held.

“It was cool taking it all in and it is one of those experiences that you relish,” Hunter-Reay said. “This is a very proud moment for me, as an American (Indianapolis 500) winner in our nation’s capital with the powers that be discussing the Indy 500 and the road to victory.”

Doug Boles, president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, joined Hunter-Reay on the tour that included a stop on the Speaker’s Balcony for a picturesque photo of Hunter-Reay and the trophy with another American icon, the Washington Monument, looming in the background.

“The reception that we’ve had today has been pretty overwhelming,” Boles said. “It truly is the greatest race in the world and people from all over the country are demonstrating that today with their excitement in meeting Ryan Hunter-Reay and the Borg.”