INDYCAR and NASCAR are running a double-header at Phoenix Raceway; Pato O’Ward originally wasn’t pleased with INDYCAR being the ‘support’ race
This weekend, NASCAR and INDYCAR are racing at the same track. Phoenix Raceway is hosting the double-header at the 1-mile oval in Arizona.
This marks the first NASCAR Cup Series and NTT Indycar Series double-header on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. The two series shared the same track on the same weekend between the 2020 and 2023 seasons.
The Indycar Series race will run on Saturday in Phoenix. While the NASCAR Cup Series race will take place on Sunday.
Originally, INDYCAR driver Pato O’Ward wasn’t happy to be part of the ‘support’ race…
Pato O’Ward stated he doesn’t like INDYCAR being the support race to NASCAR
“We’re catering to a very similar crowd,” Pato O’Ward stated ahead of the weekend at Phoenix.
“Some NASCAR people don’t watch INDYCAR and vise-versa. I would love to say that I watch all forms of motorsports but I don’t.”
“I don’t really keep up with what’s going on with NASCAR. I can’t tell you that last time I watched a NASCAR race that we raced with them. I usually just look at how the friends are doing.”
“I don’t really follow it. And not because I don’t care about it or anything, I’m usually doing other things and/or traveling.”
“I think it’s a good thing,” O’Ward said of the double-header weekend. He then added, “I’m sick and tired of INDYCAR being the support race.
“The race is on Saturday. I don’t mind races on Saturday but I know every time we race with them, we’re always the support show.”
“I’m neutral on the opinion. If they added more, great. If they don’t add more, great.”
The race weekend in Phoenix also features the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Pato O’Ward changes his opinion after seeing TV ratings
Last weekend, the NASCAR Cup Series race at COTA was seen by an average of 3.9M viewers. Meanwhile, the Indycar Series season-opener in St. Petersburg brought just 1.4M viewers on average. Both races were aired on Sunday and on the same FOX network.
And, Pato O’Ward saw the ratings report. Since then, he’s changed his mind…
O’Ward stated, “I stand corrected, i’m so happy to be here with NASCAR this weekend.”
Phoenix Raceway TV schedule for the NASCAR and Indycar weekend
