EXCLUSIVE: Professional auto racer Patricio “Pato” O’Ward, who competes full-time in the NTT IndyCar Series, has signed with Range Media Partners.
The signing comes off the heels of the recent announcement that O’Ward, the Arrow McLaren driver, was named a Formula One Reserve Driver for McLaren F1 for the upcoming 2024 season. As he speeds towards his racing dreams, Range will be helping O’Ward further expand his media repertoire, building out a larger brand partnerships strategy and a content business across TV and film.
Originally from Mexico, the 24-year old O’Ward grew up in San Antonio where he started his racing journey karting at the age of 6. Seven years later, he began competing in open-wheel racing, including the LATAM Formula 2000, Formula Renault 1.6 NEC, and Pacific Formula F2000. He is the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship champion in the Prototype Challenge class, a two-time class winner at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and a Prototype Challenge class winner at the Twelve Hours of Sebring. In 2018, O’Ward was named Rookie of the Year after becoming the Indy NXT by Firestone champion (previously known as Indy Lights).
O’Ward had a strong 2023 IndyCar season, including his best starting position to date in the 2023 Indianapolis 500, ultimately finishing fourth in the championship with the most podium finishes (seven) and top five finishes of his career. This success allowed O’Ward to qualify for his FIA Super License, which coupled with his strong performance in the new McLaren Driver Development Programme, helped pave the way for his recent promotion to McLaren’s reserve driver pool for 2024.