Former F1 driver Marcus Ericsson savoured the traditional winner's milk in Victory Lane at Indianapolis, the Chip Ganassi Racing charger triumphing in the 106th running of the Indy 500.
Ericsson cycled to the top of the field late in the day but a red flag following a crash by his CGR teammate Jimmy Johnson left the Swedish driver facing a two-lap shootout on the restart, with a feisty Pato O'Ward snapping at his heels.
But Ericsson superbly held his own, weaving on the straights to break the tow and was exiting Turn 1 on the final lap when the race came under a final caution caused by Sage Karam.
Ericsson, sporting a special helmet inspired by the late Ronnie Peterson, was free to cruise to the finish line to become the second Swede after Kenny Brack to triumph at the Brickyard.
"I couldn’t believe it," said the former Sauber F1 driver. "I felt you can never take anything for granted, and obviously there was two laps to go.
"I was praying so hard there was not going to be another yellow, but I knew there was probably going to be one.
"It was hard to re-focus but I knew the car was amazing, the #8 crew and Chip Ganassi Racing-Honda have done such a good job, so I knew the Huski Chocolate car was fast enough. But it was still hard, you know? I had to do everything there and then to keep them behind…
"I can’t believe it. I’m so happy."
"I can't believe it. I'm so happy."
A jubilant @Ericsson_Marcus basks in his #Indy500 victory.#INDYCAR // @CGRTeams pic.twitter.com/Eo3u2S6YJ6
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 29, 2022
