The weekend in St. Petersburg will likely be completely different from different years for IndyCar, and for Pato O’Ward, the 2025 IndyCar season runner-up, it’s vital to determine a distinction between them and NASCAR, with whom they are going to share this stage, particularly with the truck class.
Though the “doubleheader” format is successful amongst followers, the expertise from the cockpit is completely different for O’Ward.
“I’m already bored with IndyCar being just like the assist race,” the Monterrey native said on Friday in St. Petersburg. “I do know that each time we race with them, we’re at all times the facet present. It’s nice for the followers, however not for us,” he added with the honesty that characterizes him.
“I’d like to say that I watch all types of motorsports, however I don’t. I don’t actually observe what’s happening with NASCAR, even on race weekends. I can inform you the final time I watched a NASCAR race was once we raced with them. I normally simply have a look at how my mates are doing and test the outcomes, however I genuinely don’t observe it. Not as a result of I don’t care, however as a result of I’m normally doing different issues or touring.”
Nevertheless, he added that whether or not extra races of this kind exist the place each classes be a part of collectively is just not a precedence for him. “In the event that they add extra races collectively, nice. In the event that they don’t, nice too. I don’t actually care.”
The FOMO of lacking Daytona for relaxation
One of many main absences firstly of the 12 months was Pato O’Ward on the 24 Hours of Daytona (Rolex 24). Following a grueling season that included tasks with the McLaren System 1 workforce, the Mexican determined to prioritize his psychological well being and household time, guaranteeing that he didn’t undergo from “FOMO” (worry of lacking out) whereas watching the Daytona race from house.
“I actually worth my low season time rather a lot. I don’t end till mid-December due to the System 1 stuff. I really feel like Christmas and New Yr’s come after which it’s like: ‘My God, lastly time for myself,'” he defined.
Nevertheless, he left the door open for a return to Daytona, however beneath his personal situations: “For now, I’ve it ‘within the freezer.’ But when I am going again, I’d prefer it to be solely in LMDH (GTP) to attempt to win total.”
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