Catching up with Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O’Ward and Nolan Siegel

BRUCE:

IndyCar fans, it's time to start your engines. Welcome to Pit Pass Indy, a production of Evergreen Podcast. I'm your host, Bruce Martin, a journalist who regularly covers the NTT IndyCar Series. Our goal at Pit Pass Indy is to give racing fans an insider's view of the exciting world of the NTT IndyCar Series in a fast-paced podcast featuring interviews with the biggest names in the sport. I bring nearly 40 years of experience covering IndyCar and NASCAR, working for such media brands as NBCSports.com, SI.com, ESPN SportsTicker, Sports Illustrated, AutoWeek and SpeedSport. So let's drop the green flag on this episode of Pit Pass Indy. Welcome to Pit Pass Indy as we begin our fifth season of giving IndyCar fans an inside look at the most exciting form of racing on the planet, the NTT IndyCar Series. Today, we catch up with two of the three young drivers at Arrow McLaren Racing. It's IndyCar's youngest driver, Nolan Siegel, and the most popular driver in the series, Pato O'Ward. Siegel begins his first full season in IndyCar as the 20-year-old driver is ready to team up with Christian Lundgaard and Pato Award. Just one year ago, Siegel was set to race on a very limited IndyCar Series schedule with Dale Coyne Racing while competing for the IndyNex5 Firestone Series championship. That changed dramatically at Road America last June when Juncos Hollinger Racing decided to sit out then-driver Augustin Canepino and put the then-19-year-old Seagull into the team's Chevrolet. The Palo Alto, California native started 21st and finished 23rd in the No. 78 Chevrolet, but his potential drew the interest of Arrow McLaren. The team signed Siegel to a multi-year agreement to take over the No. 5 Errol McLaren Chevrolet beginning at Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. Siegel started 23rd and finished an impressive 12th on the challenging road course on the central California coast. He drove to another 12th place finish in the first of two races at Iowa Speedway in July. Last August, Siegel started 20th and raced to a 7th place finish in the Bomberito Automotive Group 500 at Worldwide Technology Raceway near St. Louis. The future is bright for Siegel, who will benefit from a full NTT IndyCar Series season in 2025. The kid from California joins me for this exclusive PitPass Indy interview. Preparing for his first full-time IndyCar rookie season, even though you ran a lot of races in 2024, it's Nolan Siegel of Arrow McLaren Racing. To know that you're going to be on this team from start to finish of the season, how much confidence and satisfaction does that give you to start really working on the process to build your career in IndyCar?

NOLAN:

Yeah, a lot. You know, it's going to be really nice to be in one place for, you know, an extended period of time. It's been a little while in my career since I've been pinned down somewhere. So I'm looking forward to it. I feel much more prepared than I did for really any of the races last year. And it's been nice to have a full off season to get settled.

BRUCE:

It was really a bit of a whirlwind when you look back at 2024. You started off, you were going to run for the IndyNex by Firestone Championship while also running some select races for Dale Coyne Racing. That changed dramatically by the time we got to June. And by the time June even got to its third week, you'd signed a multi-year deal with Arrow McLaren Racing. How do you even begin to describe what 2024 was like for you mentally?

NOLAN:

Yeah, it was, it was pretty wild. Um, you know, I started the season thinking I was going to be an Indy next. And then in the middle of the season, didn't know if I was going to finish the season anywhere, you know, so I was in and out of different rides and, and to land here at Arrow McLaren is, um, you know, about the best case scenario. So, uh, very happy that it all worked out, but it was extremely stressful and I'm, I'm really looking forward to a season where, um, you know, I can fully focus on driving and not be dealing with, um, you know, all of that outside pressure.

BRUCE:

Are you still a teenager? No, I'm 20. You've turned 20, okay. But you're still the youngest driver, I believe, in the series. I think so. What's it like when you go back to California and you hang out with your friends and buddies who are the same age? I doubt that any of them have a career as exciting as driving an IndyCar. So what's it like? What's that dynamic like with your friends that you've grown up with?

NOLAN:

Yeah, it's interesting. You know, it's always fun to go back and see everyone and, um, you know, it works out. I was just back when all of them were on their, um, holiday break and, um, you know, it's not really any different than it ever has been. I think, you know, to them, they all are into it and watch the races and I'll come to Laguna Seca and, and cheer me on. But, um, you know, we're all the same people that we always have been and it's fun to have people that I grew up with and, you know, where nothing's really changed.

BRUCE:

So you were always Nolan, the guy who drove go-karts or whatever. Exactly. So now that you have this opportunity, one of the top teams in racing, international racing, they won the Formula One Constructors Championship. Lando Norris won Formula One races. Pat O'Ward wins IndyCar races. Zach Brown has a motorsports powerhouse. So to be part of that, how great is that for you at this stage of your career? You're just beginning your IndyCar career.

NOLAN:

Yeah, it's incredible. And it's really exciting to think about, you know, what the future could be here. And I'm very excited to be a part of it. So I feel grateful to be here. And the goal is to, you know, have it be Lando winning F1 races and Pato and Nolan winning IndyCar races. That's certainly the goal. So we'll see if we can make it happen.

BRUCE:

How would you look back at 2024, because you were in so many different projects? It really was, in many ways, a disjointed season. Yes. So because of that, how difficult was it for the transition, starting off with Dale Coyne Racing, running IndyNex, ending up at Errol McLaren? How did you compartmentalize everything so that you were able to learn, take the time that you should to learn what you were doing?

NOLAN:

Yeah, it was tough. And, you know, like I said, it was it was a difficult season in that, you know, there was so much to think about other than just driving. And every weekend it seemed like, you know, there were meetings to go to and, you know, trying to figure out my future, which isn't the most conducive to, you know, performing your best on track. So it was very difficult from that standpoint. But I had a lot of great people everywhere I went and worked with a lot of great people. I was very lucky. And, you know, at the end of the day, I think those difficult situations are what teach you the most. So I feel like last year I learned a huge amount going to all those different places and driving for different teams, working with different people. You know, while it was extremely difficult, I feel like it's made me a better person and a better race car driver.

BRUCE:

This early in your career, is it fair to even ask you what you need to work on to improve or is it just everything?

NOLAN:

There's a mix of things. I feel like last year there were times that we had good pace and were in really good positions. I think it's about consistency and I think a lot of it is about the strategy in IndyCar. you know, given that I am far less experienced than a lot of the people I'm racing against, you know, I think it's about being more methodical and more strategic and kind of thinking more about the strategy of the race during the race, rather than just driving a race car. So from that standpoint, I think there's a lot to learn, but I, you know, have Tony Kanaan and Pato and Christian and a lot of people that have taught me a lot about that.

BRUCE:

It's an incredibly competitive series with a lot of great drivers, a lot of great teams. So what are your realistic goals going into 2025? I guess if you look at it, first, in order to compete, you need to have top tens, then you move it up to top fives, then you move it up to podiums, then victories, then challenge for championships. But you, how do you look at a realistic outlook for 2025?

NOLAN:

Yeah, I think it's it's hard to know before we get to St. Pete where we're really going to stack up. But I think the goal is, you know, to be on the podium and to be winning races. Like, that's why we're all here. So, you know, I don't know how long it'll take to get there, but the goal is to be there as quick as possible.

BRUCE:

You've got a new driver on the team this year, Christian Lungard. He's had some success with Rahal Letterman-Lanigan Racing. What's the dynamic been like? Still early days with him on the team, but what's it like having him on the team?

NOLAN:

Yeah, it's great having Christian on the team. I've known Christian for a while. It's a small world. Everyone knows each other, you know? So, not necessarily a new person, but a new teammate, and he's very fast. He's a good driver, good guy, and I'm excited to work with him.

BRUCE:

And you've got a driver with big personality in Pat O'Ward, an IndyCar star, never afraid to voice his opinion, but he's also one of the top personalities, top drivers in the series. What's it like, the dynamic like between you and him? Cause he's still a young guy.

NOLAN:

Yeah, it's been fun working with Pato and you know, I've learned a lot, but I think we, you know, get on very well and, and spend a lot of time together away from the track as well, which has been nice. So it's always nice to, you know, get along well with teammates and, and work with people that you enjoy spending time with. So it's been great so far and I'm sure that it'll continue to be a lot of fun.

BRUCE:

New television partner with Fox Sports, and it really looks like they're knocking it out of the park when it comes to promotion and marketing with this new partnership, the new series. How exciting of a time is it for you to be part of IndyCar with this new Fox relationship?

NOLAN:

It's very exciting. You know, it is kind of a new generation in IndyCar, and I'm excited. I think that everything Fox has done so far has been very impressive. And I'm sure that it will continue to grow the series. And I think if we can get some new viewers through this new partnership, then that'll be a great thing. And I'm excited about it. I'm excited to, you know, see IndyCar grow and have the audience that I think it deserves.

BRUCE:

And also the Indianapolis 500, it's the highlight of the year. It's the thing that everybody in this series looks forward to the most. And you know that you're going to be going into the month of May with a top caliber car, top caliber competitions. How exciting is it to really look at the opportunity you have at Indy in 2025?

NOLAN:

I'm very excited. Aaron McLaren has been one of the top cars at the 500 for the past few years, and to be a part of that is going to be very exciting for me, especially making my first start there. So, yeah, I couldn't be more excited about the 500.

BRUCE:

Well, Nolan Siegel, I know that you've got an exciting career ahead of you. Good luck in 2025 at Aaron McLaren, and thank you for joining us today on Pit Pass Indy. Thank you. We'll be right back to Pit Pass Indy after this short break. Welcome back to Pit Pass Indy. Pato Award isn't just IndyCar's most exciting young star, he may be IndyCar's most exciting driver. The 25-year-old from Monterey, Mexico had a career-high three victories in 2024, including wins at St. Petersburg, Mid-Ohio, and the first race of a doubleheader at the Milwaukee Mile on Labor Day weekend. Awards win at St. Petersburg came after the apparent winner, Team Penske's Joseph Newgarden, was later disqualified because of a violation with the team's push-to-pass system. Award and Newgarden were also involved in one of the most exciting Indianapolis 500 finishes in history. On the final lap, Award passed Newgarden for the lead entering Turn 1, but Newgarden raced him hard down the backstretch before racing to the high line in Turn 3 to make the race-winning pass. Award was devastated after losing the race, but that near-miss only fuels his passion and desire in his attempt to win both the Indianapolis 500 and the NTT IndyCar Series Championship in 2025. Here is my exclusive interview with Award for Pit Pass Indy. It's been a long off-season, but old friend is back. It's Paddo Award, Errol McLaren Racing. Paddo, I guess you would have to say that the mood is much more upbeat entering 2025 in IndyCar than it was in 2024, a year ago at this time. fighting through some unexpected challenges and hurdles, but now seems like a lot of really cool things are going on in IndyCar. How do you look at the excitement of the 2025 campaign?

PADO:

I love to be a part of this amazing series, amazing competition, and it's great to be part of it when, you know, we've had these years of, I would say, struggled growth. But then, you know, kind of seeing things come to fruition and all the creative minds that have, you know, gotten together to really try and see, you know, what is missing? What do we need to do? And, you know, I think a big factor in that has now been Fox that has now, you know, taken control of all the TV stuff for IndyCar. And, you know, they know what they're doing. And I think it's going to be phenomenal to see the growth of IndyCar in the next I wouldn't say, you know, long term. I mean, I would say in the next 12 months, it's going to be massively, massively growth.

BRUCE:

Fox has done an outstanding job in promoting and marketing their relationship with IndyCar. You turn on NFL games, and there they are on the pregame show announcing Michael Strahan's gonna be the Indy 500 pace car driver, unveiling Will Power's Verizon livery, showing commercials and plugs for IndyCar during NFL games. That is the type of promotion and marketing that I don't think IndyCar has ever seen before.

PADO:

No, I mean, the commercials that are coming out, which, you know, I feel very grateful that I was, you know, part of one of those commercials that still yet to come out, but it will be soon. And I can't wait to see it. I can't wait to see it. Can't wait to see, you know, people's reactions to it. And just, yeah. We want the sport and the series to grow to its full potential that we all know what it can be and what it can become.

BRUCE:

You're never afraid to voice an opinion of things that you think IndyCar should do better and do you think that they heard a lot of the messages that you've made over the last year or two?

PADO:

I mean, for starters, I think they've done a phenomenal job together with Fox to not only promote the series but you know, the way that they're doing it, they're promoting their stars, their drivers. And I think that is what ultimately makes people connect with it and people come support because, you know, the human element will always be present. And it is pretty damn cool. We go, you know, close to 400 kilometers an hour in Indy 500 qualifying. You don't go as fast as that anywhere else in the world in a race car. So it's definitely very unique. and important for people to appreciate what we get to do and they've been receptive to how much it's been a theme of conversation that things gotta change and I think right now we're seeing the start of something that can be and become something very cool.

BRUCE:

Do you think we're at a tipping point for IndyCar where there's a lot of young drivers with great personalities, that it's finally a chance to maybe engage the Generation Zs, even the Generation Alphas, that this is really the cool sport to be part of?

PADO:

Yeah, I mean, it's time to turbocharge it and really make it what we've always thought. what it can be and you know what it was 20 years ago it was huge but I think as we go to new markets that's just gonna it's gonna come organically and it'll be amazing to see.

BRUCE:

Speaking of new markets, in 2026, the Grand Prix of Arlington, partnership with the Dallas Cowboys and the National Football League and the Texas Rangers and Major League Baseball, great course layout around AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. Is a new event like that in an area where you're pretty popular, how do you feel about the potential of the Grand Prix of Arlington?

PADO:

I think it's going to be phenomenal. And, you know, having the entry point with, you know, Jerry Jones at the Dallas Cowboys and just having that as, you know, not just someone to lean on, but is, you know, one of the shoulders of the event. It's going to be huge because, you know, you'll bet that they're going to tell all their season ticket holders that that's going on. And I think we're going to see a lot of A lot of Latinos show up, or I sure hope we see a lot of that, and it's an amazing market. Definitely losing Texas last year was not ideal, but I think the comeback that we're having to Texas is gonna be with a big bang, and that's gonna be phenomenal to be a part of, and gonna do everything in my power to make sure it's an even better event than what we're expecting.

BRUCE:

And of course, you really want to have a race in Mexico City. And how does that progress look? And when do you think we may be able to see that?

PADO:

I think we can see it as soon as 2026. That's definitely what, you know, what I've been pushing for and what I know IndyCar is pushing for. And I mean, you never know, they might be, it might be pretty close to the Arlington Grand Prix. You never know if, you know, they might be back to backs because it is going to be the closest one that is to Mexico. in terms of logistics travel-wise. So yeah, we'll see, but I'm definitely a huge part of that Mexican event and excited to help IndyCar kind of get there and make sure it's, you know, knock it out of the park.

BRUCE:

How wild and exciting do you think the fans of Mexico City and Mexico will embrace that event?

PADO:

Man, Mexico makes you feel like you're Brad Pitt when you're there. They make you feel like an absolute rock star. And I know that's how they're going to welcome us. when we come back as a series and it'll be a very special event and I know for me it'll be my biggest marketing opportunity event in terms of just how much things are going to be going on and trying to balance things out. But yeah, it'll be amazing.

BRUCE:

From a team point of view, it's now fully McLaren operation. Sam Schmidt and Rick Peterson, they're part of the team's been purchased out. It's now all McLaren, Zach Brown, the whole works. You've been part of this operation since the beginning. How much does this really solidify the base?

PADO:

Solidifies the base, but I think it was there as soon as McLaren joined. You know, I don't think. so much is going to change. But obviously, you know, now the, you know, the decisions will be made and they're all be coming from McLaren. And if they want to turbocharge more, they turbocharge. If they want to back down, they back down. Like they'll be the ones that are, you know, calling the shots, but I don't really think it's going to change much because they had majority anyways, at least in the last one or two years. So, um, I think it's just, um, it's a bit of a different title rather than, um, you know, too many things changing, I would say.

BRUCE:

How much have you shared in McLaren's overall success? They won the Constructors' Championship, the Manufacturers' Championship in Formula One, Lando Norris won races. It really looks like the faith that Zac Brown had in rejuvenating the organization has paid off.

PADO:

Yeah, I mean, Zach's done a phenomenal job, but, you know, that doesn't come with having, you know, amazing people, you know, behind him, behind us as drivers. And that's what makes, you know, something so special is, you know, who can we have alongside us to make all of our dreams come true. And I think that's the mentality.

BRUCE:

And looking ahead to the 2025 season for you on the track, what do you see areas that you plan to improve upon so that you're there in great contention to win the championship at the end of the year?

PADO:

I want to finish every lap this year, and I think that'll put me in a very nice position.

BRUCE:

And finally, the Indy 500, I mean, you came within two turns of winning it. I'm sure that's a driving motivation, something you think about every day, of what it'd be like to finally seal victory in the Indianapolis 500.

PADO:

Yeah, I think about it a lot. So hopefully we can get it done sooner rather than later.

BRUCE:

Well, Pat O'Ward, welcome back to IndyCar. It's going to be another exciting season, especially with the new relationship with Fox. Good luck this year. Thank you for joining us on Pit Pass Indy. Thank you very much. And that puts a checkered flag on this edition of Pit Pass Indy. We want to thank our guests, two of the three drivers at Arrow McLaren, Pato Award and Nolan Siegel, for joining us on today's podcast. Along with loyal listeners like you, our guests helped make Pit Pass Indy your path to victory lane in IndyCar. For more IndyCar coverage, follow me at X, previously known as Twitter, at BruceMartin, one word, uppercase B, uppercase M, underscore 500. Later this week, we'll have a special bonus edition of Pit Pass Indy, featuring all three drivers from Andretti Global, Colton Herta, Marcus Ericcson, and Kyle Kirkwood, so be on the lookout for that. This has been a production of Evergreen Podcast. A special thanks to our production team, executive producers are Bridget Poyn and Gerardo Orlando. Recordings and edits were done by me, Bruce Martin, and final mixing was done by Dave Douglas. Learn more at evergreenpodcast.com. Until next time, be sure to keep it out of the wall.

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