INDIANOPOLIS (AP) – Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericksins earned a record-breaking wallet race by receiving an unprecedented $ 3.1 million check for Sunday’s win.
The amounts of the prizes were announced on Monday, the same day that downtown Indianapolis hosted the annual celebration of the victory.
The 31-year-old Eriksson became the second 500 champion from Sweden, joining 1999 winner Kenny Breck, who helped mentor Eriksson early in his career. Ericsson rides Chip Ganassi Racing.
India’s total wallet of just under $ 16.1 million exceeded the previous estimate of $ 14.4 million set in 2008.
Second-placed Pat O’Ward of Mexico, who competes for the Arrow McLaren SP, has raised $ 1 million, the largest check earned by a second-place man in nearly a decade.
Seven-time Cup champion Jimmy Johnson received a $ 50,000 bonus for being named the rookie of the year in the race despite an accident at the end of the race. Johnson’s winnings were nearly $ 208,000.
The average salary of each driver was $ 485,000.
“The Indianapolis 500 is the greatest race in the world, and these riders are putting everything at stake to get the winner’s milk drink and kiss the famous Brick Yard,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Roger Penske said in a statement. “This year’s record-breaking wallet reflects their relentless pursuit of history and world-class talent, which they showcase at every turn.”
Organizers of the race said the crowd was estimated to have exceeded 325,000 people, making it the largest one-day sporting event in the world since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The IndyCar series returns to action next weekend in Detroit.
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