Pato O’Ward Biography – Indy Lights 2018 Champion

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Pato O'Ward Bio

Pato O'Ward is a Mexican race car driver who competes in the 2022 Indianapolis 500. Photo Source: Pato O'Ward's Instagram.

Last updated on August 13th, 2023 at 08:33 pm

Pato O’Ward is one of the well-familiar faces in Indy Racing. He has remained a constant presence in the Indy 500 since 2019. Moreover, he was named the 2020 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year.

The driver had previously shown his potential in Indy Lights, Formula Series, and Pro Mazda Championships. He has also won many titles, including the 2018 Indy Lights. So, let’s learn more about this emerging IndyCar star’s background, career, love life, and more in this biography.

Pato O’Ward Began Racing From A Young Age

The race car driver was born Patricio O’Ward Junco on May 6, 1999, in Monterrey, Mexico. His grandfather bought him a go-kart at six, and he began karting a year later.

The young guy got much success and won many competitions. However, there were no restraint systems in Mexico, and the driver only wore a helmet. So, for safety reasons, Pato O’Ward’s father, Patricio O’Ward, and mother, Elba Junco O’Ward, moved the family to San Antonio, Texas.

Pato O'Ward Family
Pato O’Ward’s grandfather gave him a kart at six, which began his racing journey. Photo Source: Pato O’Ward’s Instagram.

Pato also has a sister named Elba O’Ward. His family supported his motorsports passion from the beginning. Furthermore, he attended high school in San Antonio.

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Pato O’Ward Net Worth And Earnings

Pato O’Ward’s net worth comprises his earnings from his racing career. His income benefits from his prize money, contracts, partners, sponsors, etc.

The sportsman got much attention during his karting days. For instance, he won the Rotax Grand Nationals, two Rotax Max Challenge Series, three SKUSA SuperNationals, and a Southwest Regional Cup Series. Eventually, he moved to open-wheel racing in the 2013 Latam Formula 2000.

The driver made a breakthrough after winning the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. He continued the momentum after defeating Colton Herta to win the 2018 Indy Lights. In addition, he earned a $1 million scholarship and a seat in the 2019 Indianapolis 500.

Some of his races and rankings are tabulated below:

Year Championship Team Position
2016 Pro Mazda Championship Team Pelfrey 2nd
2015-16 F4 Nacam Championship Scuderia MartigaEG 3rd
2018 International Race of Champions 3rd
2019 Super Formula Team Mugen 18th
2019 NTT IndyCar Series Carlin 26th

After a brief stint with Formula One, O’Ward moved to IndyCar racing full-time in 2019. His best result was ranking third at the 2021 Indianapolis 500. Moreover, the racer cashed $343,305 from the event. He might move from IndyCar to Formula One if he could win the 2022 Indianapolis 500.

The driver’s income also comes from his sponsors Arrow Electronics, McLaren, CoForce, etc. In addition, he earns a hefty amount from his merch sales, whose price ranges between $39 to $3,499. Thus, Pato O’Ward’s net worth must be a considerable figure.

Is Pato O’Ward Dating Anyone?

Well, the Mexican racer hasn’t revealed much about his relationships. He did mention he was single in one of his interviews in 2020.

However, the driver posed with a blonde beauty in his Instagram post a year later. He also captioned the photo with My Maliboo. Likewise, Pato was again spotted with the same girl at the 2021 Championship Ceremony. Both looked cozy together and posed for a photoshoot. So, could she be Pato O’Ward’s girlfriend?

 

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A post shared by Pato O’Ward (@patriciooward)

Besides those two posts, the sportsman hasn’t shared much about his speculated partner. He might have tried to hide the lady’s identity to protect her privacy. Still, Pato’s very likely to be in a loving relationship.

Hopefully, O’Ward will open up more about his lady love in the upcoming days.