‘It's Unbelievable’: Former Indy 500 Champion Marcus Ericsson Out on Opening Lap

The 2022 Indy 500 champion, who almost went back to back last year, is out on the opening lap of the 108th running of the Indy 500. Marcus Ericsson had to start participating in bump day to set the back row, narrowly making the race. A practice crash and rebuild set the Andretti Global No. 28 team behind last weekend.

Rookie Tom Blomqvist went low and landed his front left tire on the rumble stripe, losing control and spinning up into the 2022 Champion.

Pietro Fittipaldi was also collected in the incident, and McLaren's Callum Illot tapped but slipped by with minimal damage.

Ericsson and his team have tried to battle through adversity all month long to get into the Indy 500 for it all to end on lap one.

"We had to work hard; the team did a good job rebuilding that car. We fought it all last weekend. We fought it all this week to do good, and this happens. I can't believe it."

Blomqvist, once released from the infield car center, said that he's upset that a mistake he made as driver ended the day for his team after a flawless month.

"I'm so disappointed for the guys," Blomqvist said, "We haven't made a single mistake all month long, and to make a silly one like that."

Before the race returned to green, Marcus Armstrong, also a race rookie, suffered an engine failure and retired after running just one corner of green flag racing at Indianapolis.

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