There has been a lot of NASCAR-IndyCar crossover in the last several years. It could hit a new level, with the newly announced 2025 NASCAR Schedule. At the center of the new additions to the schedule is the upcoming race in Mexico City. One name has been floating around as a possible entry. IndyCar and Mexico native Pato O’Ward seem to be someone who could make a one-off start next season.
While Kyle Larson was around the IndyCar world back in May running the Indianapolis 500, eventual race winner Josef Newgarden was also making headlines showcasing his interest in trying NASCAR. Nothing is concrete as of this moment, as IndyCar has a busy schedule that same weekend next June.
It certainly would make an interesting story to see someone like Pato get behind the wheel of a NASCAR.
Pato O’Ward, three-time winner in INDYCAR this season, is looking for chances to race in his home country.
NASCAR in Mexico could be one for him in the near future. pic.twitter.com/2aUe8cfnGI
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 4, 2024
Pato O’Ward Could Be Eyeing NASCAR Mexico City Race
The news of NASCAR having races at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City didn’t seem to sit well with O’Ward this past weekend in Milwaukee after he won the first of two races there.
Perhaps he might just have to dabble in NASCAR if he wants to get to race in his home country, as IndyCar certainly doesn’t appear to be making that trip anytime soon. O’Ward spoke with ESPN about NASCAR beating IndyCar to the punch.
” They beat us to the cake,” O’Ward said. “I strongly believe that we’re not only late, but I strongly believe that there isn’t more room in Mexico City. Like, not only did they beat us there, but now that is not an option for IndyCar. You need to understand that these people save up their money to go to these events.”
NASCAR in Mexico City will have representation with Cup Series regular and Mexico’s own Daniel Suarez, but a little more flavor like O’Ward would only boost the support for stock-car racing in Mexico City.
Can Pato Pull It Off?
It’s going to be tough for O’Ward to be able to do the Cup race next season, with IndyCar at Gateway the same weekend of June 15th. However, according to Jenna Fryer from the Associated Press, Arrow McLaren’s Zak Brown would allow him to miss Saturday at Gateway if he can get an Xfinity ride.
Zak Brown says if Pato O’Ward can get an Xfinity ride for Mexico City he’d allow him to miss Saturday at Gateway.
Gateway, meanwhile, is not moving off that June 15 date.
CC: @JeffGordonWeb
— Jenna Fryer (@JennaFryer) September 4, 2024
The connection built between McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports this past year for the Kyle Larson Indy-Charlotte Double built a great relationship for both teams. So perhaps, HMS could set up a ride for Pato. They do run the No. 17 Xfinity Car for a handful of races for their four-cup drivers.
Additionally, during the media day for the Cup Series Playoffs. Denny Hamlin, Co-Owner of 23XI Racing was asked about his interest in O’Ward for next year’s race.
“Yeah, I saw his interest in that. A talent like him (Pato O’Ward) would be fantastic and with him raising his hand and wanting to participate, logistically you hope it could be possible.”
Obvious questions are raised by this since O’Ward is a Chevrolet driver. But 23XI does have a third car that is filled with outside talent, Travis Pastrana in the 2022 Daytona 500. Kamui Kobayashi drove the #67 Indy in 2023 and the #50 at COTA this year. That same car will soon be driven by Juan Pablo Montoya at Watkins Glen. So they have history of talent from outside of NASCAR driving for them.
A lot of things have to be worked out, but having Pato O’Ward in a NASCAR for the races in Mexico City would be cool to see. Even if it doesn’t work out in 2025, it sure appears that Mexico City could become a staple on the NASCAR schedule for years to come.
