O’Ward Fourth at Phoenix: Newgarden Wins, Dixon Reflects on Racing

PHOENIX – Josef Newgarden’s strategy proved to be the winning formula at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday, but the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race was about more than just the victory. The event, a doubleheader with the NASCAR Cup Series, sparked debate among drivers about IndyCar’s positioning within the weekend, with Pato O’Ward voicing strong concerns about being treated as a “support race.”

O’Ward, despite a strong showing that saw him climb to fourth place from a late pit stop on Lap 212, ultimately felt his car’s balance deteriorated, hindering his pursuit of a 10th career victory. “It was a busy one in the cockpit today just with moving tools,” O’Ward said after the race. “I couldn’t quite get it to where I needed to be. The middle of the race we were pretty sporty, but then I really started struggling with the car. It wasn’t just one issue, so it was a little hard.”

The No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet driver led 10 laps, but found himself forced to utilize the high line to maintain pace with the leaders, a maneuver he described as unsettling. “Every time you go there, it makes you aim for to change your pants,” he joked.

Despite not securing the win, O’Ward earned his 50th top-five finish in 108 career starts, a testament to his consistency. He currently sits fourth in the championship standings, 15 points behind Newgarden, after finishing fifth in the season opener at St. Petersburg. “Two top-five finishes to start the year feels solid,” O’Ward acknowledged.

However, O’Ward’s frustration with the IndyCar-NASCAR doubleheader format remains a central talking point. He publicly expressed his belief that IndyCar is overshadowed during these events, stating, “I’m sick and tired of IndyCar being like the ‘support race.’ It’s great for the fans, but not for us. I know that every time we race with them, we are always the ‘support present.’”

That sentiment was challenged by FOX Sports IndyCar commentator Will Buxton, who argued that the crossover events benefit both series by introducing fans to racing they might not otherwise watch. “It’s for race fans in both camps to gain a modern understanding and a new respect for championships which they might never have watched, or always believed that they shouldn’t,” Buxton explained on the SPEED with Harvick and Buxton podcast. He urged IndyCar to capitalize on the opportunity, stating, “Want people to remember you? Play the best damn gig of your life. IndyCar simply has to do what it does best, and that’s be the fastest racing on earth.”

Josef Newgarden, who ultimately won the Good Ranchers 250, appeared to employ a similar strategy to O’Ward, capitalizing on late-race tire advantage. The victory marked Newgarden’s 30th with Team Penske, tying him with Helio Castroneves for second-most in INDYCAR SERIES history with the team, trailing only Will Power’s 42.

Marcus Armstrong also enjoyed a successful outing at Phoenix, finishing fifth in his 14th oval start. The Meyer Shank Racing driver, who had no prior oval experience before joining the series, credited fellow New Zealander Scott Dixon for guidance. “I have the Meister Scott Dixon to learn from,” Armstrong said. “That’s kind of cool.” Armstrong noted that he studies Dixon’s data and seeks his input, though Dixon is often reserved with advice unless specifically asked.

Dixon himself finished seventh after starting 15th, and reflected on the improved racing at Phoenix compared to previous eras. “It was actually really good because you could use the second lane, especially on new tires,” Dixon said. The race featured a record-breaking 565 on-track passes, including 323 for position, 145 in the top 10, and 60 in the top five.

Several drivers, including rookie Dennis Hauger and Team Penske drivers Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, and David Malukas, plan to attend the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday as part of the “Desert Double.” Hauger, a fan of Jeff Gordon since growing up in Norway, expressed excitement about attending his first NASCAR race in person, having met Gordon during Indianapolis 500 qualifying last year.

Beyond the on-track action, the weekend also saw notable figures from the NASCAR world in attendance. Ryan Blaney and Austin Cindric of Team Penske visited the pre-race grid, while two-time Brickyard 400 winner Dale Jarrett, now a resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, also attended the event. FOX NASCAR analyst Clint Bowyer led the field to the green flag as a passenger in the two-seat INDYCAR SERIES car.

Looking ahead, O’Ward will aim to continue his strong start to the season at the Java House Arlington Grand Prix on Sunday, March 15. He will be looking to close the 15-point gap to Newgarden in the championship standings.