Pato O'Ward of the Arrow McLaren team goes out of his way to win over Indianapolis 500 fans
Pato O'Ward has become one of IndyCar's biggest stars not just for the way he drives on the track but the way he carries himself away from it
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The day before the final practice for the Indianapolis 500, Pato O'Ward pulled into a house a couple of blocks from the track, where a gate had been built to mimic the one at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the grass was painted like a checkered flag.
O'Ward hopped out with a big smile to meet Berta Santos and her family.
They had won a porch-decorating competition, decking out the abode in all things Indy 500, and the prize was a visit from their favorite driver. But the effervescent O'Ward made it much more than a fly-by greeting, taking dozens of pictures, signing just as many autographs and even partaking in the homemade tacos they were frying up by the driveway.
O'Ward's connection with fans is a big reason the Arrow McLaren star has become one of IndyCar's most popular drivers.
