IndyCar Series driver Marcus Ericsson celebrates after winning the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Ericsson holds off Pato O'Ward to win Indianapolis 500

By Adam Stites | Last updated 5/29/22

Marcus Ericsson is the Indianapolis 500 champion after holding off the field in dramatic fashion Sunday.

Ericsson, 31, competed for five seasons in Formula One without a win and didn't win a race in his first two seasons in the IndyCar Series. Last year, his drought ended with wins at the Detroit Grand Prix and Music City Grand Prix. Prior to Sunday, Ericsson's best finish at the Indy 500 was 11th.

Scott Dixon started on the pole Sunday and led 95 of the 200 laps, but was hit with a devastating penalty for speeding down pit lane with 25 laps left.

Scott Dixon locks up on his way into the pits and gets a pit lane speeding violation. #indy500

: NBC and @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/gBpP6XiG1Y
— #Indy500 on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) May 29, 2022

The penalty dropped Dixon from first place and put Ericsson, Felix Rosenqvist, Pato O'Ward, and Tony Kanaan in a battle for the race lead.

Ericsson began to pull away, but a Jimmie Johnson wreck with six laps left drew a red flag and set up a two-lap race to the checkered flag. While O'Ward threatened to pass near the start/finish line with one lap left, Ericsson stayed in front and earned the victory.

RETWEET to congratulate Marcus Ericsson on winning the #Indy500! pic.twitter.com/Q4s3oid02u
— #Indy500 on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) May 29, 2022

Ericsson joins Kenny Bräck as the only two Swedish drivers to ever win the Indy 500. The win also vaulted Ericsson to first place in the IndyCar championship standings, 13 points ahead of O'Ward and 14 points ahead of Alex Palou.

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