Arrow McLaren driver Pato O'Ward enters the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24, 2026, aiming to secure his first career victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
O'Ward has achieved four top-five finishes in his last five starts at the Brickyard.
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He looks to overcome defending race champion Alex Palou after transitions to backup cars disrupted multiple teams during practice sessions earlier in the week.
"It's cool. It's obviously a big part of why we do what we do, right?"
said O'Ward.
The Mexican racer remains optimistic despite a heavy crash on Monday that forced him into his backup car.
That chassis is the same one he drove to two victories last season.
"We want to be here to entertain people, inspire people. At the end of the day it is the greatest event in the world.
I might be a little bit biased. But it's going down this Sunday," said O'Ward.
Reflecting on the vehicle switch, O'Ward expressed complete trust in his team's preparation. "I don't have any worries about (the car)," he said.
He remains confident in the backup car's performance for the 200-lap event. "I know it's going to behave like it's supposed to.
Like I said, it's a very good car. I really like this car," said O'Ward.
Defending winner Alex Palou enters the race as the favorite after securing his second career Indy 500 pole position for Chip Ganassi Racing.
