The 2025 IndyCar season runner-up emphasized the need to establish a clear distinction between the two series, as they will share the stage with NASCAR's truck category. While the doubleheader format is popular with fans, O'Ward noted that the experience from the cockpit is different and that IndyCar deserves to stand on its own merit.
O'Ward: Tired of IndyCar being NASCAR support race

IndyCar runner-up Pato O'Ward expresses frustration that IndyCar is being treated as a support series for NASCAR during the upcoming St. Petersburg weekend.