IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward expressed enthusiasm following Daniel Suarez’s remarkable victory during NASCAR Xfinity’s return to Mexico on Saturday. Suarez, a native of Monterrey, defied the odds by moving from last place to win a rain-affected event with JR Motorsports at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Starting in 39th position due to a crash during qualifying that forced him to use a backup car, Suarez gradually advanced through the field. On the final restart, he was fourth but surged to the lead by moving three-wide into Turn 1. After a brief clash with Taylor Gray, Suarez maintained composure and crossed the finish line first, thrilling his home crowd.
Pato O’Ward’s Enthusiastic Response to Suarez’s Victory
While attending the opening day of IndyCar’s race weekend at WWT Raceway in Madison, Illinois, O’Ward celebrated Suarez’s win with excitement. The Arrow McLaren driver shared his joyful reaction with reporter Christopher DeHarde.
“He won? Vamos! I’m super happy for him,” the Arrow McLaren driver told reporter Christopher DeHarde. “Hopefully, he can win tomorrow in Cup as well.”
Suarez Shares Emotional Moment After Winning on Home Soil
Following the race, Daniel Suarez expressed deep emotion about winning in front of his Mexican supporters at the famous racing venue in Mexico City.
“I left my country 10 years ago to follow my dreams and pursue a career in NASCAR. I have never felt anything like this,” he said, via Reuters.
O’Ward’s Views on NASCAR Racing in Mexico and IndyCar’s Position
When NASCAR announced in August 2024 its plans to continue racing in Mexico from 2025 onwards, O’Ward voiced frustration—not with NASCAR—but with IndyCar for being surpassed by its rival as the closed-wheel series to return to Mexico. Ahead of the 2025 season, O’Ward considered participating in the NASCAR Xfinity race but stressed that his dedication remains with IndyCar.
Unfortunately, with IndyCar’s race weekend in St. Louis scheduled at the same time as NASCAR’s Mexico City event, his hope of competing in Mexico has been removed.
Progress Toward IndyCar Racing in Mexico Remains Promising
IndyCar is working to arrange a race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez by 2026, marking a return to Mexico after a long absence—the series last competed there in 2007. O’Ward indicated confidence in the ongoing discussions between IndyCar and Mexico City race promoters.
“I think it’s super close to happening. I mean, that question is above…I am just a racing driver. I think it’s gonna happen, I really hope it happens. I think talks are going on, so I’m being faithful that it’s gonna happen,” he told DeHarde.
Besides Mexico, IndyCar’s last international event, excluding Canada, was the Sao Paulo Indy 300 in 2013. Meanwhile, O’Ward is set to fulfill his role as a Formula 1 reserve driver for McLaren by participating in Free Practice 1 at the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix in October.
Upcoming Challenges for O’Ward Amid Busy Racing Schedule
For this weekend, O’Ward qualified third for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 and will aim for his first victory of the 2024 season during Sunday’s primetime race broadcast on FOX. Balancing IndyCar commitments with his ambitions related to Mexico continues to be a key focus for the determined driver.
