Pato O’Ward has delivered an extraordinary win for Arrow McLaren in the IndyCar Series at Mid-Ohio, marking a historic moment in the debut of the series’ hybrid era.
Amidst the buzz of the British Grand Prix, where McLaren couldn’t clinch a victory, Pato O’Ward turned the spotlight to IndyCar with a significant triumph at Mid-Ohio. This race, significant after the Indianapolis 500, showcased the new hybrid engines that each car in the series now sports. Heading into the event, the Honda-engined team of Chip Ganassi Racing was favored, especially with drivers like Alex Palou and Scott Dixon known for their strategic prowess in fuel saving and race tactics.
However, the race took a surprising turn. Dixon faced mechanical issues, stalling twice during the formation lap, relegating him to several laps behind despite his team’s swift repairs. Meanwhile, Palou, dominating from the pole, seemed untouchable as he built a substantial lead. Yet, O’Ward began closing the gap as the race advanced, maneuvering through the pit stops to overtake Palou. Despite Palou’s efforts to regain the lead, his tires wore out, forcing him to concede despite his attempts.
Palou acknowledged the challenging race, saying, “The car was amazing, the 10 crew was amazing. We couldn’t really make the alternate tires last. Pato started catching us. Couldn’t do anything, just destroyed my tires.” Frustration grew when a slow pit stop and difficulty engaging first gear cost him valuable time.
For O’Ward, the victory was a testament to strategic racing and team effort. “That was a hard-fought race,” he expressed exuberantly, highlighting the team’s effective use of alternate tires. This win, though technically his second of the year after a controversial post-race award at St. Pete, felt like the first to him due to the hard-earned nature of the triumph on the track.
IndyCar’s new hybrid units received positive feedback from the series itself, noting the successful implementation as a collaborative engineering achievement between Chevrolet and Honda. The Mid-Ohio victory not only highlighted O’Ward’s skill but also underscored the promising future of IndyCar’s technological advancements.
Pato O’Ward’s victory at Mid-Ohio is more than just a win; it’s a landmark in IndyCar history. This race not only showcased the potential of hybrid engines but also demonstrated the strategic prowess and determination of a driver who continues to shape his legacy on the track.
