NASCAR and IndyCar set for Phoenix double-header, but 2026 title contender isn't a fan

Racing fans attending Phoenix Raceway are in for a treat this weekend, with NASCAR and IndyCar both in action at the same venue. However, McLaren star Pato O'Ward does not sound as though he is much of a fan of the idea.

The races in Arizona are scheduled to take place on Saturday (March 7) and Sunday (March 8), with the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and IndyCar on the former, and the Cup Series on the latter.

However, O'Ward has said that he is tired of IndyCar being like the support act and the sideshow when these events take place.

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Pato O'Ward on NASCAR and IndyCar double-header

"I’d love to say that I watch all forms of motorsports, but I don’t. I don’t really follow what’s going on with NASCAR, even on the weekends," the McLaren driver said ahead of last weekend's race in St. Petersburg, via Bob Pockrass.

"I can tell you the last time I watched a NASCAR race was when we raced with them. I usually just look at how the friends are doing and look at the results, but I genuinely don’t really follow it. Not because I don’t care, but because I’m usually doing other things or traveling."

O'Ward added: "I think it's a good thing, [but] I’m sick and tired of IndyCar being the support race,"

"I mean [it's great] for the fans, not for us," he added, before later finishing his point: "I know that every time we race with them, we are always the side show."

O'Ward walks back on NASCAR comments

Despite those comments, the McLaren driver jokingly walked them back on Twitter earlier this weekend when the TV ratings for Sunday's racing action were made public.

The IndyCar season opener in St. Petersburg drew an audience of 1.4 million viewers on FOX, while Sunday's Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas was watched by 3.9 million.

Quote tweeting this information, O'Ward posted on X: "I stand corrected, I’m so happy to be here with NASCAR this weekend."