Marcus Ericsson says the IndyCar grid continues to be trying to find solutions behind Josef Newgarden’s short-oval dominance after one other World Broad Expertise Raceway win.
Ericsson led 114 laps, greater than anybody else, however nonetheless completed second and 0.6613 seconds behind Newgarden after 260 laps.
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Newgarden has now received six occasions on the Illinois oval, additional cementing his standing as IndyCar’s short-oval benchmark.
Picture by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos
Marcus Ericsson left with acquainted query after one other Josef Newgarden win
Ericsson delivered certainly one of his finest oval performances, climbing from twelfth on the grid to steer extra laps than anybody else.
However even with that effort, Newgarden nonetheless discovered a strategy to take management when it mattered, persevering with a exceptional run of kind at World Broad Expertise Raceway.
“That’s the million greenback query. He’s been the man on these tracks the final 10 years.
“Truly I did a variety of finding out of him this week main as much as this place, finding out a variety of video, analyzing along with my spotter Bob (Perona). We did a variety of work main as much as this weekend simply actually attempting to see what we might do to enhance our efficiency.
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“After all, the #28 crew did an awesome job giving me a automotive so I can drive it the best way I need. It will have been good to beat him, however he was somewhat bit too sturdy in the long run.”
That closing line captured the frustration of Ericsson’s evening. He and Andretti World did almost every part proper, however Newgarden nonetheless discovered a strategy to win.
Marcus Ericsson left feeling bittersweet after career-high laps led
Regardless of main a career-high 114 laps and delivering his finest results of the season, Ericsson was not totally glad with second place.
The No. 28 Honda had the tempo to manage the race from the entrance, and Ericsson felt he might have held on with observe place.
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“No, it’s positively bittersweet after main that many laps, having an awesome automotive beneath me. We drove all the best way to the entrance, was feeling actually good up entrance.
“Josef is nice round these tracks. He received observe place on us at one of many stops. Yeah, it’s simply laborious to get round him.
“Bittersweet, however the Honda was nice all evening. Thought I drove very well. A great end result for us. However yeah, after all you need that win whenever you’re that near it.”
The race turned throughout the pit sequence round Laps 177 and 178, when Newgarden gained observe place that Ericsson couldn’t reclaim.
Ericsson has not received an IndyCar race because the 2023 season opener in St. Petersburg, and this close to miss clearly stung.
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“That one pit sequence Josef received round us, we had a few go’s at him after that, however he was a bit too sturdy up entrance. Yeah, it’s bittersweet, however I’m actually pleased with the #28 crew and my efficiency. I believe I drove my every part on the market.”
That’s the reason the end result felt each encouraging and painful. Ericsson confirmed Andretti has made actual progress, however Newgarden nonetheless had the ultimate say.
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