Acura Branding Featured on Ericsson's IndyCar for DC Race

Acura branding will be prominently featured on the #28 Andretti Global Honda Indy car driven by Marcus Ericsson at the upcoming Freedom 250 race in Washington D.C. This event marks the fourth time Acura has appeared in the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, coinciding with celebrations for both the brand's 40th anniversary and 250 years of American history. The race will take place on a new street circuit around the National Mall.

Acura's Motorsports Presence

The Freedom 250 race is a significant event, bringing the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to the streets of Washington D.C. for the first time. The #28 Acura-branded Honda entry not only commemorates 250 years of American independence but also celebrates 40 years since Acura's debut in 1986. Acura launched in the United States on March 27, 1986, as the first Japanese luxury automotive brand, introducing models like the Legend sedan and the Integra.

Acura's involvement in motorsports, particularly the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, is part of an effort to connect with a growing audience of racing enthusiasts. IndyCar has seen increased viewership this season, with a 17% rise compared to 2025 and a 49% increase over 2024. The Road America race, for example, attracted an average of 1.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched non-Indianapolis 500 race since 2011.

Driver and Team Performance

Marcus Ericsson, the 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner, will pilot the Acura-branded #28 Andretti Global car. Ericsson has a history of success on street circuits, including recent wins at the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy in Markham, Canada, and previous victories in Detroit, Nashville, and St. Petersburg, Florida. He also secured pole position on the streets of Arlington, Texas, earlier this year.

Acura-backed Honda-powered Indy cars have achieved two top-five finishes this season. Felix Rosenqvist earned pole position at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and finished second, while Marcus Armstrong secured a fifth-place finish at the Indianapolis 500. Armstrong also received the 'Biggest Mover' award at Mid-Ohio while competing in Acura colors.

Engaging with Fans

The Freedom 250 race has generated substantial public interest, with over 250,000 applications for the 100,000 free tickets available to witness the IndyCar series race around the National Mall. This high demand underscores the series' growing popularity and Acura's strategic engagement with its fanbase.

In addition to the race, Marcus Ericsson is scheduled to make a special appearance at Chevy Chase Acura in Bethesda, Maryland, on Thursday, August 20th, from 3 PM to 5 PM. This event provides an opportunity for fans to interact with the driver ahead of the Washington D.C. race.

The presence of Acura branding on Marcus Ericsson's Indy car at the Freedom 250 highlights the brand's continued involvement in high-performance motorsports. This participation aligns with Acura's heritage of engineering and performance, offering fans an opportunity to see the brand represented on a national stage during a significant historical commemoration.