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SCOTTSDALE — Race weekend is on the horizon in the Valley, and Arrow McLaren made a pit stop in Scottsdale to trade the roar of engines for the crack of the bat.
Feb 22, 2026; Hampton, Georgia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez waves during introductions at EchoPark Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images
Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward and Daniel Suárez attended Wednesday’s exhibition matchup between Team Mexico and the Los Angeles Dodgers, just days before the NTT IndyCar Series returns to Phoenix Raceway.
O’Ward and Suárez not only watched their national team take on the back-to-back World Series champions, but also soaked up the Arizona sun while promoting race weekend in Avondale. The crossover blended baseball, motorsports and national pride in front of the spring training crowd.
“Well, yeah, we have a race this weekend in Phoenix,” O’Ward said in a video posted to the team’s X account. “And we’re here promoting it, so let’s go!”
Arizona has long been a hub for marquee sporting events, from spring training to championship games, drawing visitors from across the country. IndyCar’s return to Phoenix adds another major attraction to an already crowded sports calendar — and moments like this help broaden its reach.
Mar 4, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Team Mexico second baseman Luis Urias throws to first base after forcing out sliding Los Angeles Dodgers base runner Miguel Rojas during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
By stepping into the baseball spotlight, Arrow McLaren connected with fans who may not yet follow open-wheel racing, expanding its audience beyond the traditional motorsports base. The appearance also highlighted the growing crossover appeal of athletes like O’Ward and Suárez, who carry strong followings on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Motorsports and baseball share multigenerational fandoms and global reach. Events like Wednesday’s exhibition create rare opportunities for those worlds to intersect, offering fans an unexpected and uniquely Arizona sports moment.
While it was only a visit, the buzz added early momentum to race week.
The NTT IndyCar Series will take place on March 6 and 7.