The world of motorsports is abuzz with the prospect of IndyCar's potential return to Mexico's iconic Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. As promoters in Mexico City gear up for further talks with the single-seater series in January, the surge in interest around rising star Pato O'Ward has reignited the debate surrounding this exciting possibility.

Unlocking the Thrill of Motorsports in Mexico

A Surge in Local Interest

The Mexico City Grand Prix has been a sell-out event for nine consecutive years, thanks in no small part to the stardom of local hero Sergio Pérez. Now, the emergence of Pato O'Ward, the Mexican-born IndyCar driver, has further fueled the public's appetite for high-octane racing action on home soil. O'Ward's recent practice appearance at the Mexico City Grand Prix was met with a raucous reception, as hundreds of fans turned out to catch a glimpse of their rising motorsports idol.

Capitalizing on the Momentum

Promoters in Mexico City are wasting no time in capitalizing on this surge of interest. Alejandro Soberón, the president of the Mexico City GP promoter CIE, has confirmed that further talks with IndyCar are scheduled for January 2023, with the aim of potentially bringing the series back to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez as early as 2026. This move comes on the heels of NASCAR's announcement that it will be racing outside the United States for the first time next year, with a stop at the same iconic Mexican circuit.

A Diverse Racing Landscape

The potential return of IndyCar to Mexico would add to the already diverse racing landscape in the country. Soberón acknowledged that while Formula One remains the "king of the races" in Mexico, there is a growing appetite for different types of motorsports championships. With NASCAR's impending debut and the possibility of IndyCar's comeback, Mexican racing enthusiasts are poised to witness a thrilling array of high-speed action on their home turf.

Pato O'Ward's Pivotal Role

At the heart of this exciting prospect is Pato O'Ward, the Mexican-born IndyCar driver who has been actively involved in the push to bring his series back to his home country. O'Ward has expressed his eagerness to be a "big part" of the potential Mexican event, recognizing the significance of his local following and the opportunity to showcase his talent on home soil.

A Promising Future

While the return of IndyCar to Mexico may not happen as soon as next year, the conversations between promoters and the series have taken "steps forward," according to O'Ward. The driver remains optimistic about the possibility of the championship making its way back to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez by 2026, a prospect that has the potential to ignite a new era of motorsports excitement in Mexico.