IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward and series officials expressed their surprise at a recent social media announcement by the Department of Homeland Security regarding an immigration detention centre in Indiana, aptly named “Speedway Slammer”. The announcement featured an image of a car adorned with the number 5—significantly, O’Ward is the only Mexican driver in the series. O’Ward remarked that the post’s timing and implications were shocking and unlikely to evoke pride among many people.
The post showcased a digitally designed vehicle reminiscent of IndyCar, prominently displaying the acronym “ICE” several times. This image was followed by a depiction of a prison-like structure in the background. O’Ward revealed that he first became aware of the post through a friend’s message, stating he preferred not to dwell on it further.
IndyCar responded formally, clarifying they had no knowledge of the federal agency’s plan to include their imagery and expressed their disapproval of its use in relation to the announcement. Fans of IndyCar reacted strongly on social media, branding the post as “disgusting” and “disrespectful.”
The “Speedway Slammer” initiative, introduced by Indiana’s Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, aims to establish additional detention space in the state. O’Ward, a 26-year-old competitor from Monterrey, Mexico, is currently second in points standings and attending promotional events in Texas for the upcoming Grand Prix of Arlington, set for March 16. This new race will feature a 2.7-mile course that runs around the home venues of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and MLB’s Texas Rangers, where O’Ward recently threw a ceremonial first pitch.