133 - Balancing Act - Mid-Ohio Winner Pato O’Ward Ushers In the Hybrid System

Speed Street

The hybrid era is upon us, and Conor Daly had boots on the ground at Mid-Ohio to take in this historic moment in IndyCar history firsthand. He joins co-host Chase Holden to chat about what unfolded in the race, which saw Pato O’Ward take a hard fought victory home over the dominant Alex Palou. Conor shares the observation that many drivers seem to be struggling with how the hybrid system changes the balance of the race car and that he noticed more pit road stalling than ever before. The guys also make a case for better IndyCar victory lane celebrations and help listeners get ready for the upcoming weekend in Iowa by making their podium predictions. Also, Conor shares some exciting news that he’ll be back behind the wheel next weekend in Indianapolis for some NASCAR competition.

Mid-Ohio race winner Pato O’Ward joins the show and fills listeners in on how he was able to overtake Alex Palou late in the race and hold him off for his sixth career IndyCar victory. He explains that the new hybrid system doesn’t give the same indication that the driver is in first gear as they are used to, causing Palou to be delayed in leaving his pit stall and allowing Pato to get by into the lead. Pato also shares the fascinating story of how his racing career nearly came to an end when he was denied a FIA Super License and how he ended up taking the seat he currently occupies at Arrow-McLaren. Finally, Pato shares insight to his heartbreaking defeat in this year’s running of the Indianapolis 500 and how he was able to wrangle an ill-handling racecar to nearly winning the Greatest Spectacle in Motorsports.