Pit Debrief

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Pit Debrief

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Tag: Random Vandals Racing

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

Karishma Persad05 mins

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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Random Vandals Racing looks set to expand to two BMW M4 GT3 EVOs in GTWC America in 2027 as it doubles down on SRO America.
Photo Credit: SRO | Fabian Lagunas

Random Vandals Racing poised for two-car BMW GTWC America programme in 2027

Karishma Persad05 mins

Random Vandals Racing looks set to return to a two-car BMW M4 GT3 EVO programme in GT World Challenge (GTWC) America powered by AWS for the 2027 season. Team owner Paul Sparta has revealed a strong possibility that the reigning Pro class champions will expand their GT3 operation after scaling back to one car for…

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GT World Challenge (GTWC) America opens 2026 at Sonoma with nine manufacturers, full GT3 grid, and new three-hour race format.
Photo Credit: SRO | Fabian Lagunas

Nine manufacturers set for Sonoma showdown in 2026 GTWC America opener

Karishma Persad03 mins

The GT World Challenge (GTWC) America powered by AWS begins its 2026 season this weekend at Sonoma Raceway. This year, the championship introduces a new three-hour feature race format, immediately raising the stakes for teams and drivers. At the same time, nine major manufacturers headline the GT3 field, reflecting the series’ continued growth and competitiveness….

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GTWC America 2026 promises intense GT3 action as nine manufacturers and top teams battle across North America.
Photo Credit: SRO | Fabian Lagunas

GTWC America gears up for landmark 2026 season

Karishma Persad03 mins

The GT World Challenge (GTWC) America powered by AWS heads towards 2026 with exceptional momentum. Teams continue to confirm entries, manufacturers strengthen programmes, and driver line-ups take form. As a result, the championship grid looks deeper and more competitive than ever. Moreover, nine leading manufacturers will contest the season, underlining the strength of the global…

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Random Vandals Racing (RVR) confirms DeBoer and Ericsson in its BMW M4 GT3 for the 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) America.
Photo Credit: SRO

Random Vandals Racing confirms DeBoer and Ericsson for 2026 GTWC America title push

Karishma Persad04 mins

Random Vandals Racing (RVR) has confirmed its #99 Vbrick / Franck Muller BMW M4 GT3 entry for the full 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) America powered by AWS season. The Concord, North Carolina-based squad will contest the Pro-Am class with Derek DeBoer and Hampus Ericsson sharing driving duties. By committing to a full-season effort, the…

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