Marcus Ericsson says the IndyCar grid is still searching for answers behind Josef Newgarden’s short-oval dominance after another World Wide Technology Raceway win.
Ericsson led 114 laps, more than anyone else, but still finished second and 0.6613 seconds behind Newgarden after 260 laps.
Newgarden has now won six times at the Illinois oval, further cementing his status as IndyCar’s short-oval benchmark.
Marcus Ericsson left with familiar question after another Josef Newgarden win
Ericsson delivered one of his best oval performances, climbing from 12th on the grid to lead more laps than anyone else.
But even with that effort, Newgarden still found a way to take control when it mattered, continuing a remarkable run of form at World Wide Technology Raceway.
“That’s the million dollar question. He’s been the guy on these tracks the last 10 years.
“Actually I did a lot of studying of him this week leading up to this place, studying a lot of video, analyzing together with my spotter Bob (Perona). We did a lot of work leading up to this weekend just really trying to see what we could do to improve our performance.
“Of course, the #28 crew did a great job giving me a car so I can drive it the way I want. It would have been nice to beat him, but he was a little bit too strong in the end.”
That final line captured the frustration of Ericsson’s night. He and Andretti Global did nearly everything right, but Newgarden still found a way to win.
Marcus Ericsson left feeling bittersweet after career-high laps led
Despite leading a career-high 114 laps and delivering his best result of the season, Ericsson was not entirely satisfied with second place.
The No. 28 Honda had the pace to control the race from the front, and Ericsson felt he could have held on with track position.
“No, it’s definitely bittersweet after leading that many laps, having a great car underneath me. We drove all the way to the front, was feeling really good up front.
“Josef is good around these tracks. He got track position on us at one of the stops. Yeah, it’s just hard to get around him.
“Bittersweet, but the Honda was great all night. Thought I drove really well. A good result for us. But yeah, of course you want that win when you’re that close to it.”
The race turned during the pit sequence around Laps 177 and 178, when Newgarden gained track position that Ericsson could not reclaim.
Ericsson has not won an IndyCar race since the 2023 season opener in St. Petersburg, and this near miss clearly stung.
“That one pit sequence Josef got around us, we had a couple of go’s at him after that, but he was a bit too strong up front. Yeah, it’s bittersweet, but I’m really proud of the #28 crew and my performance. I think I drove my everything out there.”
That is why the result felt both encouraging and painful. Ericsson showed Andretti has made real progress, but Newgarden still had the final say.
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