In a recent event at the Milwaukee Mile, Pato O’Ward openly expressed his disappointment in NASCAR’s decision to race in Mexico City before IndyCar. O’Ward, known for his popularity in the IndyCar series, had hoped to see his sport make a move into the Mexican market. This move by NASCAR to race in Mexico City caught many by surprise, including O’Ward and his fellow IndyCar competitors.
Ben Kennedy, a prominent figure in NASCAR and the great-grandson of the sport’s founder, played a key role in orchestrating the race in Mexico City. Alongside Mexican driver Daniel Suarez, Kennedy announced a multi-year deal to bring NASCAR to the city starting next June. While NASCAR celebrated this achievement, the IndyCar paddock was left wondering how they had missed out on such an opportunity.
O’Ward, a Mexican driver who also serves as a reserve F1 driver for Arrow McLaren, has been working diligently to build his fan base, especially among Latino fans. Despite facing criticisms that he and IndyCar were not popular enough for an event in Mexico City, O’Ward’s star power has been on the rise, particularly since his impressive performance in the 2021 season.
IndyCar has faced scrutiny over its handling of the situation, with some questioning why they did not secure a deal with Mexico City earlier. Mark Miles, the head of IndyCar parent company Penske Entertainment, faced backlash over his remarks regarding O’Ward’s popularity in Mexico. However, he later praised O’Ward, emphasizing his significance in the sport.
The confusion and miscommunication surrounding the negotiations with Mexico City led to IndyCar losing out to NASCAR in securing a race in the Mexican capital. Despite the setback, there is renewed interest from both sides in exploring future opportunities for IndyCar in Mexico. Talks are ongoing, with a potential deal not expected until the 2026 calendar at the earliest.
The entire Mexico City debacle served as a wakeup call for IndyCar to stay competitive and proactive in expanding its reach. Amidst the disappointment and criticism, there is a sense of determination within the IndyCar community to learn from this experience and pursue new opportunities for growth and development in the sport.
