O’Ward, Harding Steinbrenner Racing Part Ways Ahead of 2019 Season

Joe Skibinski/INDYCAR
By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief

Patricio “Pato” O’Ward will not be driving for Harding Steinbrenner Racing for the upcoming NTT IndyCar Series season.

It was announced that the two have agreed to “part ways” on Monday.

“The Harding Steinbrenner Racing team supported my decision to seek a new opportunity by releasing me from my contract and allowing me the opportunity to find a new team before the start of the 2019 season,” O’Ward said in a statement.

“Now, I am fully focused on finding the right opportunity and how I will use my scholarship from Indy Lights for 2019.”

The confirmation came after swirling rumors that the team, which originally hoped to compete with two full-time entries this year with both O’Ward and fellow rookie Colton Herta, was not able to find funding to keep that effort afloat.

The timing of the announcement is tough as the 2019 season begins next month with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and one day prior to the two day open test at Circuit of the Americas.

O’Ward, the 2018 Indy Lights champion, is carrying a $1 million prize which allows him entry for four IndyCar races this year, including the 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500 in May.

About Joey Barnes 601 Articles
Joey Barnes is the Founder of Motorsports Tribune, an outlet that began with the goal of helping aspiring journalists break into and grow the industry. A regular on the racing scene since 2013, the journey for Joey started by covering a Grand-Am event at Circuit of The Americas in his home state of Texas. He has since primarily focused on the IndyCar Series, with appearances in the garages of NASCAR, paddocks of Formula 1, IMSA and World Endurance Championship, while also occasionally engulfing clouds of dust at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals and select Supercross rounds. With previous stops at Autoweek, IndyCar.com, Motorsport.com and RACER, among others, Joey evolved from the singular task as a freelance writer to advanced roles behind the copy desk and alongside some of the best editorial teams in the business. Recognized as a multi-time award winner by the National Motorsports Press Association, Joey currently resides in Dallas-Fort Worth with his trusty four-legged canine companion, Rocket.