Why Pato O'Ward loves the Indy 500 track that hasn't loved him back

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis 500 has broken the heart of Pato O’Ward the last few years. 

And yet, O’Ward's heart still loves Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

O’Ward should hate this place after he was unable to pass Marcus Ericsson on the final lap three years ago and he settled for second.

O’Ward should hate this place after losing the lead to Josef Newgarden and then wrecking while battling Ericsson for second with eight laps remaining in 2023.

O’Ward should hate this place after Newgarden passed him for the lead on the final lap in 2024.

How can O’Ward love a place that hasn’t loved him back — at least in results?

"I have such great memories here," O’Ward said. "And, obviously, there's also some low ones that come with it. But that's ultimately what's made the emotion for this place so much stronger.

"It’s just so cool, man, the way that people embrace it. It's the perfect definition of an event where the athletes, the gladiators, the drivers risk everything."

The 26-year-old from Monterrey appears ready to risk everything once again as he starts on the outside of the front row for the 109th Indianapolis 500. Will 2025 end up being the year he ends his heartbreak?

The Arrow McLaren driver will try to use the lessons of previous oh-so-close attempts to finally end up where he believes he belongs. He views the race he lost last year as the most painful, partly because of the great move Newgarden made and also because of the heartbreak of the previous two seasons.

O’Ward believes he had a winning car each of the last two years.

"It’s obviously been tough to get the timing [of a final move] right, but that just makes you appreciate the opportunities that you have even more," O’Ward said.

"And I know it's going to make it