Ericsson: American Program With WTR the “Natural” Step

Photo: Hampus Ericsson FB

Hampus Ericsson described his move to join Wayne Taylor Racing in Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America as a “natural” next step in his career after a breakthrough season in Europe.

The Swedish racer, the younger brother of 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson, makes his North American debut in this week’s season opener at Sebring International Raceway.

He shares the No. 1 Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo EVO2 with two-time series champion Danny Formal, stepping into the lineup for the Indiana-based outfit in place of Ryan Norman.

Ericsson is set for his second season of Super Trofeo competition, having competed in the European championship last year after previously also racing in Porsche one-make competition as well as junior single seaters in the UK.

Driving for Target Racing, he notched up his maiden Super Trofeo victory at last year’s Jerez World Finals, ironically after he was able to capture the lead in the wake of a first lap collision between Amaury Bonduel and future co-driver Formal.

Speaking with Sportscar365, Ericsson explained that the desire to compete in the U.S. partially came through his older brother Marcus, who has history with WTR dating back to last year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona.

“I’ve always wanted to race in the U.S., especially since my brother’s been here racing the last six, seven years,” Ericsson said.

“My interest has risen through every season and after a good season in Europe with Lamborghini in Super Trofeo, we got our eyes on Wayne Taylor Racing in the American championship.

“I know Marcus has done [a] race in Daytona with them in the GTP class, so it just was natural to talk to them to see if there was any possibilities to advance into American racing.

“Then of course also in the future I want to [climb] the IMSA ladder. That’s the goal of course.

“It feels great to be here especially with Wayne Taylor Racing and continue my partnership with Lamborghini.”

By his own admission, Ericsson is getting “mental support” from his brother Marcus, who is on-site at Sebring.

“Basically looking after me as it is my first race weekend in America and he knows the team,” he said.

“He knows the philosophy of racing here in America. So he’s just making sure everything’s okay.

“He won’t go to every race this year as he’s driving as well, he’s very busy. Sebring, maybe one more race, he’ll be here [to] just support me.”

Meanwhile, the 21-year-old described the driver pairing with Formal as a “huge privilege,” adding that he’s been ‘welcomed with open arms’ into the WTR fold.

“Such a driver at that caliber is something else and I think I can learn so much from him,” said Ericsson.

“Both how to drive on these tracks in this car and how to act off the track and behave and work with the team.

“There’s so much to learn from him and he’s so welcoming with open arms so I just stay behind him and learn as much as I can. So far so good.

“He helps me a lot. Like, for example, Sebring, this is my first time racing in America.

“This is the first track I’ve ever done in America, and we’re teammates, so Danny wants me to do the best I can.

“So of course he’ll help me, and he is helping me so much.”

Wednesday’s pair of practice sessions were Ericsson’s first exposure to the famously challenging Sebring circuit, although he showed well by setting the fastest time of the day aboard the No. 1 Lamborghini.

“I enjoy it so much,” he said. “After spending one season in Europe, driving on those big smooth circuits, I think I prefer more old-school bumpy hard tracks over here in America.

“So far, at least. Sebring, this track is truly something. Everyone has told me that and I’ve experienced it and I can’t disagree.

“But so far so good. I think it’s a wonderful track and just the general feeling around this place is just epic.”