Why One Mexican Driver Isn’t Happy about NASCAR Going to Mexico City

NASCAR’s Cup Series is scheduled to race in Mexico City next season, and among the people who aren’t happy about that is IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward, a Mexico native and one of IndyCar’s most popular drivers.

NASCAR announced the Mexico City date—at Autodrome Hermanos Rodriguez—this week. IndyCar has been in discussions with various parties about a race there but hasn’t closed a deal.

O’Ward’s wild popularity in Mexico likely would attract a huge crowd to any race in which he participated in his home country. He told reporters during the Milwaukee weekend that he’d like to try the NASCAR Mexico City race in 2026 if series schedules don’t conflict. They do next season.

“They beat us to the cake,” O’Ward told the Associated Press. “I strongly believe that we’re not only late, but I strongly believe that there isn’t more room (for another race) in Mexico.”

Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles Saturday clarified comments he had made earlier in the week in reference to O’Ward’s possible impact on a race date in Mexico City.

“As I said repeatedly yesterday, Pato is a natural star, and his popularity is tremendous and growing,” Miles said in a statement released to reporters. “It’s unfortunate that a few of my additional remarks failed to convey anything other than this viewpoint.

“In summary, Mexico remains a market of heavy interest, and we believe there will be an amazing IndyCar race weekend there sooner rather than later. Pato is a superstar, and his popularity and talent will be critical to making this happen.”