The Missed Opportunity of Racing in Mexico for IndyCar

When it comes to popularity in Mexico, Pato O’Ward is in a league of his own. Fans line up for his autograph sessions, disrupt team debriefs, and follow him passionately at every turn. His massive following has made him a star not only in IndyCar but also in the hearts of Mexican racing fans.

So when NASCAR recently announced its plans to race in Mexico City in 2025, it caught many by surprise, especially IndyCar drivers who felt like they had missed a golden opportunity. The announcement left drivers like six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon wondering how they let such a lucrative market slip through their fingers.

O’Ward, a Monterrey native who has garnered a significant fan base in Mexico, was disappointed that NASCAR beat IndyCar to the punch. Despite his popularity and potential to draw crowds, it will be NASCAR, not IndyCar, racing in Mexico City next season at Autodromo Hermannos Rodriguez.

For O’Ward, racing in Mexico in front of his home crowd has always been a dream. His interactions with fans and the support he receives only fuel his desire to compete on Mexican soil. However, with NASCAR securing a multi-year deal in Mexico City, O’Ward’s chances of racing in front of his fans are uncertain.

The missed opportunity to race in Mexico has left O’Ward and his fellow competitors lamenting over what could have been. IndyCar’s failure to secure a race in Mexico, despite O’Ward’s growing popularity, has raised questions about the series’ strategic planning and vision for expansion.

While options for racing in Mexico are limited due to the lack of suitable venues, O’Ward remains hopeful that IndyCar will find a way to make it happen. The possibility of racing in front of his home crowd and showcasing his talent on home soil is something that O’Ward is eager to see come to fruition.

As discussions continue about the future of racing in Mexico, O’Ward remains optimistic that he will one day get the chance to compete in front of his fans. His passion for racing and his love for his country make him a driving force behind the push to bring IndyCar back to Mexico.

While the road ahead may be challenging, the support of fans and the determination of drivers like O’Ward are what will ultimately pave the way for IndyCar to race in Mexico once again.

Source: AP Auto Racing