Will Buxton has publicly disagreed with Pato O’Ward’s critical stance on the upcoming IndyCar-NASCAR doubleheader at Phoenix Raceway. Scheduled for this weekend, the event will bring both racing series to the 1-mile track, offering fans a rare chance to watch open-wheel and stock-car racing across three consecutive days. Buxton’s perspective supports the crossover, while O’Ward views it as a scenario where IndyCar is overshadowed.
During the IndyCar season opener in St. Petersburg, O’Ward voiced his frustration with how IndyCar is positioned during these combined weekends. The 26-year-old Arrow McLaren driver expressed concern that IndyCar is treated more like a supporting act rather than the main attraction.
“I’m sick and tired of IndyCar being like the ‘support race’,” O’Ward said (via Bob Pockrass on X). “It’s (double-headers with NASCAR) great for the fans, but not for us. I know that every time we race with them, we are always the ‘support show’.”
Will Buxton’s Viewpoint on Cross-Series Racing Benefits
Contrasting O’Ward’s view, FOX Sports IndyCar commentator Will Buxton emphasized the advantages for fans watching both series during the doubleheader. Appearing on the SPEED with Harvick and Buxton podcast, Buxton explained how these crossover events introduce enthusiasts of one championship to the other, potentially expanding both audiences.
“[It’s] for race fans in both camps to gain a new understanding and a new respect for championships which they might never have watched, or always believed that they shouldn’t,” said Buxton. “Want people to remember you? Play the best damn gig of your life. IndyCar simply has to do what it does best, and that’s be the fastest racing on earth. That’s how you make fans. And that’s how IndyCar becomes the headliner.”
Addressing O’Ward directly, Buxton acknowledged the driver’s honesty but encouraged a broader perspective on the event’s impact.
“Look, I love Pato. I love that he’s honest, and he speaks from the heart. And while I know exactly where he’s coming from, I think there’s a bigger picture to look at here.”
Background on Previous IndyCar-NASCAR Doubleheaders
IndyCar and NASCAR have collaborated on doubleheader weekends before, with their last joint event taking place in 2023 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. Pato O’Ward notably secured a podium finish at the Gallagher Grand Prix during that crossover weekend. This history sets a competitive context as the two series prepare for their latest shared event at Phoenix Raceway.
Pato O’Ward Explains Technical Challenges at the Phoenix Doubleheader
Ahead of the Phoenix race, IndyCar held a two-day preseason test on February 17-18, marking its return to the track after an eight-year absence. In an interview prior to testing, O’Ward shed light on a technical complication drivers face during doubleheader weekends with both IndyCar and NASCAR competing on the same track.
While IndyCar relies on Firestone tires, NASCAR uses Goodyear tires. As laps accumulate, each series leaves different types of rubber on the circuit, which affects grip levels. This mixture can create unpredictable conditions that challenge drivers’ ability to adapt.
“Just different rubbers. The NASCAR rubber sometimes affects the Indy cars a little bit differently than obviously if it’s just all Firestone rubber for us. Sometimes it varies from track to track, so you just have to wait for the race weekend and see if it decides to throw the balance upside down or not.
O’Ward, who has never competed at Phoenix Raceway before, arrives at the weekend following a strong Top 5 finish at the season-opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, adding anticipation to his performance on an unfamiliar venue.
Implications of the Doubleheader for Fans and the Sport
The IndyCar-NASCAR doubleheader at Phoenix Raceway represents a bold attempt to merge fanbases and expose enthusiasts to different styles of racing. While tension remains among some drivers like O’Ward who feel IndyCar is sidelined, commentators like Buxton see opportunity for growth and wider appreciation. How these dynamics will influence future collaborations remains to be seen as both series aim to showcase their unique strengths and appeal.
Fans eager to follow developments can anticipate intense competition and technical analysis as drivers adjust to the complex track conditions shaped by the blend of tire compounds and racing disciplines. This weekend may serve as a pivotal moment in fostering mutual respect and cross-pollination within American motorsport.
