In a groundbreaking move, NASCAR is set to host its first-ever international points race in 2025 at Mexico City’s legendary Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. This landmark event signals the sport’s ambition to expand beyond U.S. borders and tap into Mexico’s passionate motorsport fanbase, already electrified by the success of the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix. But while the announcement has fueled excitement, local racing hero Pato O’Ward has left fans and NASCAR executives disheartened with his decision to skip this historic race.
O’Ward, an IndyCar superstar and one of Mexico’s most celebrated drivers, has firmly ruled out participating in NASCAR’s inaugural Mexico City event. Speaking with Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports, O’Ward candidly explained his reasons, prioritizing his pursuit of IndyCar glory over making a splash on NASCAR’s international stage.
O’Ward: IndyCar over NASCAR—For now
“The chances, I would say in 2025, are slim,” O’Ward admitted. “Until I get my Indy 500, until I get my IndyCar championship, my full focus is on IndyCar. Once I’ve done that, I told Zak [Brown] that I’m open to scout out some cool opportunities in NASCAR here in America.”
This declaration is a bitter pill for fans eager to see the young Mexican compete in NASCAR’s Mexico City debut. Rumors had circulated about O’Ward racing in the Xfinity Series event on June 14 before jetting off to the IndyCar race at Gateway, but his comments have dashed those hopes. O’Ward hinted that 2026 might be the earliest opportunity for him to race in NASCAR, leaving fans waiting for a showdown that could have electrified his home soil.
A missed opportunity?
The decision to skip NASCAR’s debut in Mexico City could be seen as a missed chance for O’Ward to expand his brand and connect with fans outside of the IndyCar paddock. With NASCAR’s event poised to make waves in the global motorsport scene, many believe O’Ward’s absence will leave a noticeable void.
“I would love to. I wish we could have done it as soon as the first time, which is next year, but it’s when we go to Gateway,” O’Ward explained. “Obviously, my priorities lie in IndyCar, but I would love to do the next one. I don’t have an interest in doing another race, and I think it’d be cool.”
Daniel Suarez steps up
While O’Ward won’t represent Mexico in NASCAR’s debut, compatriot Daniel Suarez is ready to rise to the occasion. Suarez, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner, will pilot the No. 99 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, carrying the weight of Mexican pride on his shoulders. Partnering with Freeway Insurance, Suarez will be a key figure in ensuring Mexico has strong representation in what promises to be a landmark event for NASCAR.
Suarez’s participation underscores his role as a trailblazer for Mexican drivers in NASCAR, and his performance will undoubtedly be under the microscope as fans look to rally around their homegrown talent.
The road ahead
While Pato O’Ward’s absence is a disappointment, NASCAR’s Mexico City debut is still expected to be a monumental event, highlighting the sport’s growth and international appeal. The inclusion of Daniel Suarez ensures Mexico’s passionate fanbase will have a hero to cheer for, but the question lingers: could this event have been even bigger with O’Ward on the grid?
O’Ward’s focus on IndyCar success is commendable, but fans are left wondering what could have been. As NASCAR makes its bold leap onto the global stage, the absence of one of Mexico’s brightest motorsport stars serves as a reminder that timing is everything.
