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O'Ward seeks Indy 500 victory amid car setback

PUBLISHED May 22, 2026, 4:02 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Center 100%

Sources: 7

INDIANAPOLIS — Pato O'Ward will attempt to win the Indianapolis 500 this Sunday after a string of near-misses at the Brickyard, including runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2024, a third place in 2025, a fourth in 2021 and a sixth as a 2020 rookie; he aims to become the race's first winner from Mexico. O'Ward told reporters in Gasoline Alley this week that he wants to entertain and inspire fans, but his primary car — which had qualified sixth — was severely damaged in a Monday crash and he has been moved to a backup car, altering preparations as teams, broadcasters and officials finalize race-day plans for Sunday.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2020: O'Ward debuts at Indianapolis, finishing sixth as a rookie.
2021: O'Ward records a fourth-place finish at the Indianapolis 500.
2022: O'Ward finishes second at the Indianapolis 500 (runner-up).
2023: O'Ward records a 24th-place finish, his only result outside the top five.
2024–2025 and race week: O'Ward finished second in 2024 and third in 2025; his primary car qualified sixth but was damaged in a Monday crash, forcing a backup before Sunday’s race.

News Intelligence

O'Ward's journey is a testament to resilience. His determination to win, despite setbacks, can inspire us to persevere through our own challenges. If you're a fan of motor racing, his quest for victory adds an extra layer of excitement to this Sunday's Indy 500.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 7

Who Benefited

Teams with prepared backup cars, broadcasters covering the storyline, and spectators benefiting from continued competition and compelling race narratives.

Who Impacted

Pato O'Ward and Arrow McLaren suffered an immediate setback when his primary car, which had qualified sixth, was severely damaged in a Monday crash, forcing use of a backup car and altering race preparations.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 7
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Teams with prepared backup cars, broadcasters covering the storyline, and spectators benefiting from continued competition and compelling race narratives.

Who Impacted