Pato O’Ward on the 2026 IndyCar season and finding where you belong
One of the perks of a job like mine is the opportunity to spend time with race car drivers. They are a joy to talk with, and each conversation leaves me walking away with some new knowledge that will help shape my coverage of motorsport going forward. Every chance to chat with Pato O’Ward, however, […]
In a recent interview, Pato O’Ward, an IndyCar driver representing Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, shared insights on his 2026 season and his experiences on and off the race track. O’Ward described his season as "glitching," admitting that the tracks he usually relies on for championship advancement had performed unexpectedly. Specifically, he mentioned that oval tracks had been the worst year for him, citing Bommarito as an example where he fell from the podium to P11.
Despite these challenges, O’Ward had some high points, including a win at Mid-Ohio, which he deemed the high point of the season. This victory was attributed to strong execution in all aspects of the race, including pit stops, strategy, and car performance. O’Ward also discussed the McLaren Racing Center, a new state-of-the-art facility opened by Arrow McLaren in Indianapolis for the 2026 season.
He compared the new facility to moving from a starter home to a penthouse, stating that the difference in atmosphere and the feeling of being part of a larger community fueled his desire for success.
O’Ward was asked about his favorite IndyCar race, excluding the Indianapolis 500. He enthusiastically pointed to the inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington, a new street race in Texas, for its positive atmosphere and enthusiastic fans. Additionally, O’Ward shared his appreciation for local food stops during the race schedule, mentioning Saint Petersburg, Phoenix, and Arlington as his preferred destinations.
Arlington, in particular, stood out for its exceptional food offerings, which he would love to return to in the future.
Written by urgent.news from SB Nation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
