Arrow McLaren driver Pato O’Ward recently celebrated an incredible achievement – 100 race starts! A memorable event which occurred over an eventful weekend in Iowa was this occasion to reflect back upon O’Ward’s amazing career accomplishments to date.
The Centennial Race: A Victory to Remember
O’Ward took home victory during Iowa Speedway’s inaugural doubleheader, celebrating both his 100th race as well as Chevrolet’s inaugural win for 2018. Notably, O’Ward won against several challenges to his victory; these included red flags and numerous cautions towards the end. Even so, his victory marked not only his achievement in racing history but also served to prove O’Ward can continue winning races even in years when championship leaders such as Alex Palou have the upper hand; O’Ward notched their 8th overall win while two victories at Iowa Speedway alone!
A Symbol of International Pride
The conversation around IndyCar’s international reach intensified last year, particularly with NASCAR’s expansion into Mexico City. O’Ward, being a figurehead for Mexican talent in the sport, found himself at the center of these discussions. This led to a movement among his fans and the appearance of ‘Pato, Who?’ billboards, aiming to underline his impact. O’Ward, who has also served as a reserve driver for the McLaren Formula 1 team, got to drive in the Free Practice 1 session at the Mexico Grand Prix, further solidifying his status in his home country.
First IndyCar Triumph
O’Ward’s career is peppered with memorable wins, with his first IndyCar victory being a standout moment. Claiming his first series win in 2021 at the Texas Motor Speedway, he became the first Mexican driver since Adrian Fernandez in 2004 to win an IndyCar race. This victory was not just about winning; it symbolized O’Ward’s persistent challenge for the championship and consistently high performance throughout the season.
Noteworthy Achievements
O’Ward made headlines for many noteworthy accomplishments during 2020. She won the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year title as she finished as the highest-placing rookie. His talent transcended IndyCar, as evidenced by his historic win at 24 Hours of Daytona at just 17 years old and subsequent win again two years later in 2022. While O’Ward has experienced highs and lows throughout her career, her resilience and talent will ensure more exciting races ahead!
O’Ward is an integral component of IndyCar, known for his incredible talent, commitment and perseverance – qualities which define him. On Monday we are honored to celebrate 100 race starts by O’Ward! His journey entails dedication, talent and an ongoing strive towards greatness; qualities which define O’Ward as one of its illuminating stars.