Pato O’Ward finally arrives in IndyCar at COTA as his ‘soap opera’ saga continues

Five weeks ago, Patricio O’Ward of Mexico was involved in the biggest “soap opera” in the NTT IndyCar Series. His highly-anticipated debut with Harding Steinbrenner Racing abruptly came to an end when he announced on IndyCar media day on February 11 that he was leaving the team. What was to have been a full-time ride had been greatly reduced because of lack of sponsorship.

The O’Ward soap opera took a positive turn on March 9 when he was introduced as the newest driver at Carlin Racing. The 19-year-old driver would compete in 13 races over 12 event weekends counting the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix doubleheader.

Finally, on Friday, O’Ward climbed into an Indy car and hit the track when he wheeled Carlin’s No. 31 Chevrolet onto the 3.41-mile, 20-turn Circuit of the Americas – site of Sunday’s INDYCAR Classic.

“I’ve been waiting on today for months,” O’Ward told Autoweek. “We’re here because we like to drive race cars and I want to give the team the best that I can because they are putting a lot of belief in me.

“It’s nice to get back in it. It’s a tough track. It doesn’t look like it on paper or on video, but it’s a tough track. It’s a track that requires a lot of technique, especially in the slow stuff. There are some things I have to work on and I’m trying to get the car better for qualifying on Saturday.

“I didn’t get to test here for two full days during ‘Spring Training’ in February, so I’m a little bit behind the curve. Having a good sleep on it will help a lot for Saturday.”
 

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