Marcus Ericsson, the NTT IndyCar Series driver with Andretti Global, visited Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital (PMCH) on Monday, where patient ambassadors designed one-of-a-kind hats for him to wear during the 2026 season. These custom hats, created by kids receiving care at PMCH, will be featured at several races this year, highlighting a special community connection as he competes in the upcoming season.
Patient Ambassadors Craft Personalized Hats for Select Races
The patient ambassadors at PMCH, who are current and former patients sharing their experiences to raise awareness and inspire hope, contributed their artistic talents to this initiative. Each ambassador designed race-specific artwork on Delaware Life Branded Bills hats, which Marcus Ericsson will wear at seven key race weekends where Delaware Life serves as the primary sponsor on his vehicle.
The races featuring these custom hats include:
- Streets of St. Petersburg
- Phoenix Raceway
- Streets of Detroit
- World Wide Technology Raceway
- Road America
- Nashville Superspeedway
- Portland International Raceway
Ericsson Shares Enthusiasm for the Project and Its Meaning
Expressing his excitement about the collaboration, Ericsson told News 8 Sports’ Andrew Chernoff,
“When this initiative came up, I was super excited to be a part of that,”
and added,
“I think the idea of making hats – custom hats – that these kids have made today and (to) see how happy and excited they are about that, I think that’s super cool to be a part of.”
He emphasized the emotional boost the project provides during races, stating,
“It’s definitely going to help me get those last couple of tenths of the race car feeling the support from these kids,”
and reflected on the hospital visit by saying,
“It’s been really fun to be here today and interact with them and get to know them a little bit.”
Collaboration Highlights Commitment to Community Impact
This partnership exemplifies the dedication of Group 1001 and Delaware Life to community engagement by leveraging the INDYCAR platform to raise awareness about patient ambassadors and make a positive difference beyond the racetrack. The involvement of children who have faced health challenges shines a spotlight on their resilience and the hospital’s mission.
Ericsson’s Track Record and Upcoming Season Outlook
Marcus Ericsson, who captured the Indianapolis 500 title in 2022, is preparing for his third season with Andretti Global. The 2026 IndyCar season kicks off this weekend with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, a venue where Ericsson secured a race victory in 2023. Wearing these unique, custom-designed hats will serve as a powerful reminder of the inspiration and support coming from the PMCH community throughout his racing efforts this year.
