Honda Drivers Secure Strong Finishes at Bommarito 500

Marcus Ericsson secured a second-place finish for Honda at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 8, 2026. The Andretti Global driver led the most laps during the event, which was marked by multiple weather delays. This result represents Ericsson's first podium of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, showcasing a strong outing for Honda-powered teams.

Ericsson's Podium Performance

Marcus Ericsson, driving the #28 Delaware Life Honda for Andretti Global, delivered a notable performance at World Wide Technology Raceway. Starting from the 12th position on the grid, Ericsson skillfully navigated through the competitive field. He took the lead and maintained it for 114 laps, marking the highest number of laps led by any driver in the Bommarito Automotive Group 500.

Ultimately, Ericsson crossed the finish line just 0.6613 seconds behind the race winner. This narrow margin prevented him from claiming victory, but the second-place finish was a significant achievement, securing his first podium appearance of the current NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Ericsson expressed pride in his team's performance and the power delivered by his Honda engine.

Andretti Global's Collective Success

Andretti Global, a key Honda partner team, demonstrated strong collective results with all three of its drivers finishing within the top 10 at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500. In addition to Ericsson's second-place, Kyle Kirkwood, who was the previous year's winner at the Gateway track, secured a sixth-place finish. This result was crucial for Kirkwood, as it helped him reduce the points gap to the current championship leader.

Will Power, driving the #26 Andretti Global Honda, further solidified the team's strong showing by finishing in eighth position. Other Honda-powered entries also performed well, including Marcus Armstrong of Meyer Shank Racing, who finished ninth, and Scott Dixon of Chip Ganassi Racing, who crossed the line in 12th place. Kelvin Fu, Vice President of HRC US, commended Andretti Global for their consistent top-10 presence.

Championship Implications and Race Challenges

The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 was significantly impacted by two red flag periods, both caused by adverse weather conditions in the St. Louis area. These interruptions forced teams to adapt their race strategies and manage fuel consumption carefully. Polesitter and current championship leader Alex Palou, driving a Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, led 49 laps during the event.

However, Palou's strategic gamble on fuel did not yield the desired outcome. He eventually ran out of fuel in the pit lane, leading to a drop to the rear of the field and a 17th-place finish. Despite this setback, Palou maintains his lead in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES points standings, holding a 49-point advantage over Kyle Kirkwood. Fu also noted that the event represented a significant improvement for Honda on short oval tracks.

The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 showcased Honda's competitive performance in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, with Marcus Ericsson's podium finish and Andretti Global's strong team results. As the series progresses to the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, on June 21st, Honda-powered teams will aim to continue their pursuit of the championship title.