Marcus Ericsson looks to continue Indy 500 success
If you’re a fan of motorsports, then the name Marcus Ericsson is sure to ring a bell. Born Sept. 2, 1990, in Kumla, Sweden, Ericsson currently competes in the NTT IndyCar Series, and since 2020 has been driving the No. 8 Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing.
However, like all talented drivers, there is always the starting line.
Ericsson began his racing career at the early age of 9, competing in go-kart racing and working his way up the European ranks. Gaining experience and confidence, he eventually moved up to single-seater racing in 2007. Ericsson would go on that year to win the Swedish Formula BMW Championship, officially kick-starting his professional racing career.
Following a successful rookie debut, he competed in various Formula 3 series races, coming in third in 2008 and finally winning the British Formula 3 Championship the following year. This paved the track to a higher level of competition for Ericsson — joining the Formula 1 feeder series, GP2. After a successful three years competing in the GP2 Series, and finishing the 2013 campaign as a runner-up, it marked a pivotal moment in the Swede’s racing career.
Ericsson’s official Formula 1 debut came in 2014. While only spending one season with his debut team, and four with Sauber, Ericsson was never able to secure a podium finish while competing in Formula 1. However, it was the experience gained throughout that time that would later prove to be
valuable, as his move to the IndyCar Series in 2018 shifted his career into high gear.
Joining Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and making his IndyCar Series debut in 2019, Ericsson placed 17th in championship standings, with his best performance being a seventh at Belle Isle, making it an exceptional debut season behind the wheel.
Looking to continue his success, Ericsson joined Chip Ganassi Racing in 2020, finishing 12th in overall standings that year, including four Top 5 finishes. However, 2021 would prove to be his most successful yet. He finished the season fifth in championship standings with seven Top 5 finishes and 12 Top 10 finishes, including a win in the Indianapolis 500.
Ericsson will be looking for another victory at this year’s Indy 500, one of the most prestigious races in the world of motorsport.
The Swede’s experience and skill make him a strong contender for this year’s title.
Fans can catch all the action when the Indianapolis 500 airs on NBC Sunday, May 28.
FACTS:
Full name: Marcus Ericsson
Birth date: Sept. 2, 1990
Birthplace: Kumla, Sweden
Height/weight: 5-11/152 pounds
Teams: Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (2019), Chip Ganassi Racing (2020-present)
2023 Indianapolis 500 Number: 8
Honours and achievements: Indianapolis 500 Winner (2022)
Did you know: Marcus Ericsson has won $709,934 in career Indy 500 earnings