By Peter M. DeLorenzo
Detroit. The 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 was a dynamic and riveting race from start to finish. That The Speedway was back in all of its glory was undeniable, and "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" lived up to its time-honored reputation. The race had a little bit of everything - including a rare red flag to set up a two-lap sprint to the finish - and Marcus Ericsson, the Swedish ex-F1 driver in his third season of INDYCAR racing, stormed to the win driving his No. 8 Chip Ganassi Racing Huski Chocolate Honda.
As exhilarating as it was to see Ericsson capture the biggest race in the world, it was devastating to see Scott Dixon, who was the dominant driver all day long in his No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing PNC Bank Honda, get a pit speeding violation, which cost him the race. That Dixon set a new record for laps led in "500" history with 665, eclipsing Al Unser's old record of 644, was little solace for the great champion. Closer to the end of his career than the beginning, Dixon knows that these opportunities are hard to come by.
Pato O'Ward (No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet) engaged in a fantastic duel with Ericsson for the race win over the last two laps of the race, with Ericsson snaking his way on the straights to break the tow - thanks to expert tutoring from Dario Franchitti the night before - with Pato having to settle for second place, his best career finish in three starts in the "500." And in what may be his last appearance in the "500," Tony Kanaan (No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing The American Legion Honda), the 2013 race winner, delivered a fine third-place drive.
Chip Ganassi Racing acquitted itself well with a dominant performance at The Speedway on Sunday, putting two cars in the top three finishing positions. In fact, the Ganassi Racing organization dominated the "Month of May," consistently topping the speed charts and making it clear it was the squad to beat in the "500." It was Ganassi's first win in the "500" since 2012.
It was Ericsson's day, however, as he drove a superbly judged race while having to endure a red flag stoppage right at the end of the race. He kept it together and seized the win - a victory that will change his life forever. It's no longer Marcus Ericsson, INDYCAR driver. Now, it's Marcus Ericsson, Indy 500 Champion.
Congratulations to Marcus and the entire Chip Ganassi Racing organization. It was indeed a Perfect Day.
(For more coverage from Indy, check out The Line -WG)
(Photo by Joe Skibinski/Penske Entertainment)
Chip Ganassi and Marcus Ericsson celebrating their victory after the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500.
(Photo by Joe Skibinski/Penske Entertainment)
Marcus Ericsson and his girlfriend, Iris Tritsaris Jondahl.
(Photo by Joe Skibinski)
Marcus Ericsson and Iris Tritsaris Jondahl after his career-defining victory in the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday.
(Photo by Doug Matthews/Penske Entertainment)
Marcus Ericsson at the Monday morning photo shoot for the Indy 500 winner.
(Photo by Doug Matthews/Penske Entertainment)
Monday morning at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Marcus Ericsson and girlfriend Iris Tritsaris Jondahl celebrate the biggest win of his career.
(Photo by Joe Skibinski/Penske Entertainment)
Marcus Ericsson, winner of the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Editor's Note: You can access previous issues of AE by clicking on "Next 1 Entries" below. - WG