GTWC America heads to Indianapolis with the Pro and Pro-Am titles still undecided as the 2026 season concludes at the Brickyard.
Photo Credit: SRO

GTWC America title fights head to Indianapolis for 2026 season finale

The 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) America powered by AWS season reaches its conclusion at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with the Pro and Pro-Am championships still undecided ahead of the DESDER Indianapolis 8 Hour. Six three-hour rounds have brought the championship to its longest and highest-scoring event of the year, where the GTWC America field will…

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Marcus Ericsson will join younger brother Hampus Ericsson and Derek DeBoer at Random Vandals Racing for the 2026 DESDER Indianapolis 8 Hour, completing the team's Pro-Am line-up for the season-ending endurance race. The 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner will drive the No. 99 BMW M4 GT3 EVO as the GT World Challenge (GTWC) America powered by AWS and Intercontinental GT Challenge conclude their respective seasons at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ericsson had already emerged as the expected third driver when the provisional 29-car Indianapolis 8 Hour entry appeared earlier in September. Random Vandals Racing has now officially confirmed his addition alongside its full-season pairing of Hampus Ericsson and DeBoer. Marcus Ericsson joins Random Vandals Racing Random Vandals Racing confirmed Ericsson's addition ahead of the Indianapolis finale, bringing one of the circuit's most recognisable recent winners into its GTWC America programme. Ericsson has also maintained a presence around the SRO America paddock throughout 2026 while supporting his younger brother. Hampus and DeBoer have shared the No. 99 BMW throughout their full-season Pro-Am campaign, with Marcus now joining them for the championship's longer endurance finale. The Swede expressed particular excitement about the opportunity to compete alongside his brother again. “I’m incredibly excited to join Derek and my younger brother Hampus in the Random Vandals Racing No. 99 BMW,” said Marcus Ericsson. “Racing alongside Hampus and sharing a car with him is something I cherish deeply, so I’m very grateful to Random Vandals for giving us the opportunity to do this together. “I’ve been following and supporting Hampus and Derek throughout the season, and it’s clear to see the potential in both of them and the entire team. “Hopefully, my extensive experience and knowledge of Indianapolis Motor Speedway will allow me to contribute to the team and help secure a strong result. The BMW M4 GT3 will be a new experience for me, but with the expertise and support of the Random Vandals team, I’m confident I’ll get up to speed quickly.” Ericsson brothers reunite in GT3 machinery Indianapolis will mark the second time that Marcus and Hampus Ericsson have shared a race car. The brothers first competed together at the Michelin 12H Malaysia at Sepang International Circuit in December 2025. They joined Axel Bengtsson and Thomas Karlsson in Leipert Motorsport's Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2, marking their first race together and their first appearances in GT3 competition as a pairing. Marcus has since added further GT3 experience. Earlier this year, he contested the Rolex 24 at Daytona with Wayne Taylor Racing, sharing its Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 with Danny Formal, Trent Hindman and Graham Doyle. However, the Indianapolis 8 Hour will give him his first competitive outing in the BMW M4 GT3 EVO. For Hampus, meanwhile, the finale completes his first full GTWC America season with Random Vandals. He and DeBoer have represented the team throughout 2026 after Random Vandals reduced its programme to a single Pro-Am BMW following its 2025 Pro championship-winning campaign. Hampus highlighted the significance of sharing the BMW with his brother while also pointing towards Marcus' extensive Indianapolis experience. “Getting the chance to share the BMW M4 GT3 RVR car with my brother at Indianapolis is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time, so to finally make it happen is pretty special,” said Hampus Ericsson. “Derek and I have built a really strong relationship throughout the season, and I’m looking forward to bringing Marcus into the mix and seeing what the three of us can do together. “Marcus knows IMS extremely well, and his experience there will be a huge asset to the team as we fight for a strong result.” Indianapolis experience strengthens Random Vandals line-up Ericsson brings extensive knowledge of Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the Random Vandals line-up. Most notably, he won the 2022 Indianapolis 500 and has continued competing at the venue throughout his IndyCar career. His familiarity with the circuit therefore adds another element to a line-up that already has a full season of experience with the BMW and GTWC America's three-hour format. His Indianapolis knowledge could prove particularly useful as Random Vandals prepares for an eight-hour race that requires the team to manage a significantly different challenge from the championship's regular rounds. Team owner Paul Sparta welcomed Ericsson's arrival and highlighted the energy he expects the IndyCar driver to bring to the programme. “It’s exciting and an honor to have Marcus in a Random Vandals car for the Indy 8 Hour. He’s really pumped up for the event, and I am certain he’ll bring huge energy and performance to the team. “Given his hot streak at the end of the IndyCar season, we can’t wait to get him on track.” Two Indianapolis stars join GTWC America finale Ericsson becomes the second high-profile IndyCar driver confirmed for the 2026 Indianapolis 8 Hour. Five-time IndyCar champion Álex Palou will also return to GT3 competition at the event, joining Lin Hodenius and Luca Stolz in the No. 80 Mercedes-AMG Team Lone Star Racing entry. While Palou will compete in Pro, Ericsson joins a Pro-Am Random Vandals line-up that features two drivers with extensive links to Indianapolis alongside DeBoer. The additions strengthen an already sizeable field as GTWC America and the IGTC prepare to decide their respective championships. For Random Vandals Racing, the event also provides another opportunity to build on its 2026 campaign before the team turns its attention towards a possible two-car GTWC America programme in 2027. Ericsson, Hampus and DeBoer will share the No. 99 BMW M4 GT3 EVO when the DESDER Indianapolis 8 Hour brings the 2026 GTWC America season to a close at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Photo Credit: IMSA

Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson joins Random Vandals Racing for Indianapolis 8 Hour

Marcus Ericsson will join younger brother Hampus Ericsson and Derek DeBoer at Random Vandals Racing for the 2026 DESDER Indianapolis 8 Hour, completing the team’s Pro-Am line-up for the season-ending endurance race. The 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner will drive the No. 99 BMW M4 GT3 EVO as the GT World Challenge (GTWC) America powered by…

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Álex Palou joins Mercedes-AMG for the Indianapolis 8 Hour as GTWC America and IGTC championship battles reach the 2026 finale.
Photo Credit: SRO | Jason Doudt

Palou returns to Indianapolis 8 Hour as Mercedes-AMG targets GTWC America and IGTC titles

Five-time IndyCar champion Álex Palou will return to the Indianapolis 8 Hour with Mercedes-AMG Team Lone Star Racing as the manufacturer prepares to fight for titles across two championships at the 2026 season finale. The Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC) and GT World Challenge (GTWC) America powered by AWS will conclude their seasons at the DESDER…

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Turner Motorsport secures fourth at Barber as Foley and Rothberg keep their GTWC America championship hopes alive heading to Indy.
Photo Credit: SRO | Fabian Lagunas

Turner Motorsport keeps 2026 GTWC America title hopes alive after Barber

Turner Motorsport remains in contention for the 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) America championship following the penultimate round at Barber Motorsports Park. Robby Foley and Justin Rothberg secured fourth in the final sprint race of the season, collecting valuable points ahead of the championship-deciding Indianapolis 8 Hour. Despite narrowly missing the podium, the pairing maintained…

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JMF Motorsports expands its GTWC America lead at Barber as Stephens, Grenier and Mercedes-AMG prepare for the Indianapolis finale.
Photo Credit: SRO | Fabian Lagunas

JMF Motorsports extends 2026 GTWC America championship lead after Barber podium

JMF Motorsports strengthened its position in the 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) America championship following another podium finish at Barber Motorsports Park. Michai Stephens and Mikael Grenier secured second overall and in the Pro class, extending their championship advantage ahead of the season-ending Indianapolis 8 Hour. The No. 34 Mercedes-AMG GT3 pairing entered the penultimate…

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GMG Racing retakes the GTWC America Pro-Am lead at Barber as Washington and Sargent carry a six-point advantage to Indianapolis.
Photo Credit: SRO | Fabian Lagunas

Barber recovery puts GMG Racing back atop GTWC America Pro-Am standings

GMG Racing reclaimed the GT World Challenge (GTWC) America Pro-Am championship lead with a hard-fought third-place class finish at Barber Motorsports Park. Kyle Washington and Tom Sargent arrived at the penultimate round three points behind Wright Motorsports’ Dave Musial Jr. and Ryan Yardley after losing the championship lead for the first time this season at…

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Wright Motorsports leaves Barber six points from the GTWC America Pro-Am lead as Musial Jr. and Yardley target Indianapolis.
Photo Credit: SRO | Fabian Lagunas

Wright Motorsports keeps 2026 GTWC America Pro-Am title hopes alive ahead of Indianapolis 8 Hour

Wright Motorsports remains firmly in the 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) America Pro-Am championship fight after navigating a challenging penultimate round at Barber Motorsports Park. Dave Musial Jr. and Ryan Yardley entered Barber at the top of the Pro-Am standings after taking the championship lead during the previous Road America round. However, a difficult three-hour…

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JMF extends its Pro lead after Barber, GMG retakes Pro-Am and Mercedes-AMG stays ahead before the GTWC America Indianapolis finale.
Photo Credit: SRO | Fabian Lagunas

2026 GTWC America: Standings after Round 6 (Barber Motorsports Park)

The 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) America powered by AWS season completed its penultimate round at Barber Motorsports Park, where another three-hour race produced significant changes across the championship standings. JMF Motorsports remains at the top of the Pro standings through Michai Stephens and Mikael Grenier, although AF Corse USA’s Matias Perez Companc has climbed…

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Tom Sargent will miss the 2026 Indianapolis 8 Hour to pursue the ELMS LMGT3 title with Proton Competition at Portimão.
Photo Credit: SRO | Fabian Lagunas

Tom Sargent to miss Indianapolis 8 Hour as ELMS title bid takes priority

Tom Sargent will miss the season-ending Indianapolis 8 Hour despite leading the GT World Challenge (GTWC) America powered by AWS Pro-Am standings as he prioritises his 2026 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) LMGT3 title challenge. The Porsche Motorsport North America Selected Driver and GMG Racing teammate Kyle Washington returned to the top of the Pro-Am…

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AF Corse USA wins 2026 GTWC America at Barber, as Archangel claims its first Pro-Am victory and GMG regains the championship lead.
Photo Credit: SRO | Fabian Lagunas

2026 GTWC America | Barber Motorsports Park | AF Corse USA wins overall as Archangel Motorsports takes Pro-Am

The 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) America powered by AWS championship arrived at Barber Motorsports Park for its penultimate round, with closely contested title battles and another three-hour race presenting opportunities for the leading contenders to strengthen their positions before Indianapolis. Following an eventful Road America round, JMF Motorsports arrived in Alabama with a four-point…

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