Who Is Pato O'Ward? A Boxing, Cooking, Mexican Living Life On The Edge

Pato O’Ward is the most popular driver in INDYCAR.

His international presence and outgoing personality is infectious. For instance, to see the joy of him milking a cow at Indianapolis in the days leading up to the Indy 500 will make anyone smile.

So what makes the native of Monterrey, Mexico, tick?

Well, the Arrow McLaren driver loves to win, as he has done two of the last three INDYCAR races. But he also loves to go fast — whether that is in the race car or other phases of his life.

O’Ward sat down with FOX Sports ahead of his weekend win in Toronto to give some insight into who he is off the track.

Who is Pato O’Ward?

Who is Pato O’Ward? I am a 26-year-old Mexican racing driver for a pretty badass brand called McLaren. And I am a fan of anything that has to do with adrenaline — cars, airplanes, motorcycles. What else? My drink of choice is tequila. And I like living life on the edge.

Pato O'Ward affectionately refers to himself as the "Mexican-Irish guy."

How would your friends describe you?

Unhinged. Definitely honest. Loyal. And you can always count on the truth when you ask me something — it doesn't matter if it's going to be a good or bad answer.

Do people still think you're Irish?

Yeah, sometimes actually. I’m the Mexican-Irish guy. They ask me because they say you don't look Mexican, because apparently I'm not like tan enough. So then I say, "It must be the Irish."

Your first name is Patricio not Patrick? 

Patricio. My great-grandfather was Patrick. And then I'm No. 4. My dad's No. 3, so my kid's going to be No. 5. We’ll see how that works.

And it’s your great-grandfather who was Irish?

Yes, he was the Irishman. Very redhead as well. A ginger.

You didn’t get any of that?

No, I’ve got some ginger for