Patricio O’Ward will partner with Topo Chico Mineral Water as a personal sponsor for the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Sporting the Mineral Water’s traditional bright yellow logo from atop his Arai helmet since 2019, Topo Chico has become a staple of the onboard footage seen on the nationwide broadcast of the premiere American open-wheel championship.

O’Ward and Topo Chico Mineral Water are bound by their heritage and their birthplace of Monterrey, MX. Their relationship began in 2016 in the INDYCAR junior series formally known as Pro Mazda, and the 2016 Formula 4 NACAM Championship. They were also personal sponsors in the 2017 IMSA Prototype Challenge and O’Ward’s 2018 INDYCAR debut in Sonoma.

After years of victories, pole positions, and fastest laps together, they look forward to having another podium-studded season. O’Ward has the best finish ever by a Mexican driver and has his sights set on becoming the first to ever win an Indianapolis 500 or the overall NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship.

Next up, O’Ward will be running his home race, the PPG 375 at Texas Motor Speedway. The race will display the country’s best open-wheel drivers compete side-by-side at more than 200 mph on the 1.5-mile oval. Broadcast coverage goes live at noon ET Sunday, April 2 on NBC, Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

Topo Chico Mineral Water General Manager Gerardo Galvan:

“Topo Chico Mineral Water’s relationship with Pato O'Ward goes back many years, and it has always been a very successful relationship. Pato is a born winner and is originally from Monterrey, as is Topo Chico Mineral Water. We are very proud of his career, which never ceases to amaze us day after day, race after race and the best is yet to be written.”

Patricio O’Ward - Driver of the No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet:

“I go way back with Topo Chico! It’s great to have such a recognizable brand on board and to see just how much their company has grown both in Mexico and the United States since we first got started together. I’m confident we will secure many more podiums together in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet this season.”

Have you ever wanted to have your face slapped on the side of a NASCAR truck? Be appointed an emissary to the sovereign nation of The Republic of Molossia? Undertake a liquor store can-signing tour?

While this isn’t Make-A-Wish Foundation, Montucky Cold Snacks, the beer flavored beer for everyone, is making dreams come true, by giving one lucky fan bonafide minor-celebrity status, via its debut Montucky Mascot Contest. This is no joke! The winner’s face will cover hundreds of thousands of Montucky Cans and that’s just to start…

The Montucky Mascot will also enjoy a major local liquor-store signing tour, host a Race Day NASCAR party while watching a NASCAR truck with their FACE on it zip around the track, first pitch for Reno Aces’ opening game, and get shredded with a summer training session with an ice curling icon. Montucky’s Mascot is going to be L-I-V-I-N’ this year!

Launching on March 22, with no rules and no parameters, contestants simply create a :30 sec video showing and/or telling Montucky why they should be the first-ever official mascot. Worst case scenario, participants get :30 seconds of fame on Montucky’s socials for their “better luck next time” efforts. Best case they could see their face on a billboard in some rural location in the middle of nowhere.

Much like those of the Royal Family members, the duties of The Montucky Mascot are serious, our mascot will be called upon to hold this title with no real expectations beyond being a sterling legend redeeming these unremarkably legit prizes. 

If you think you are up to the challenge, send us your best, and we’ll see you on the can!

The official list of prizes below:

• Appointed the official mascot as an emissary to their sovereign nation of The Republic of Molossia 
• Face on Cans
• Your face on a NASCAR Truck (one race)
• A trip to the NASCAR Truck Race where your face is featured on the side of the truck
• Your face on a MCS Billboard somewhere in America 
• Your name on a Montucky Cold Snacks Adopt-A-Highway in Montana
• Opening throw at Reno Aces game
• Liquor store can-signing tour
• Randomly found used mixtape 
• Sample 50 Fried Foods at a State Fair in One Day 
• A year’s worth of snacks
• Face on mouse pad
• Face on Coffee Cup

Prototype Sprint Series Association presented by Hankook (PSSA) celebrated a successful debut weekend at Road Atlanta, March 24-26. The series attracted drivers from three countries with a variety of Radical and Revolution prototypes for the Mission Foods Atlanta SpeedTour.  

Local driver Raiden Nicol led both Practice and Qualifying 1 on Friday, with his quickest lap of the weekend—a 1:20.918 lap—coming in the opening qualifying session. A wet track on Saturday morning led to a limited number of drivers participating in the second qualifying session, where Yaxley, UK native, James Abbott laid down the fastest lap in his 2021 Revolution 500sc. 

With a dry track and sun shining over Road Atlanta, Nicol, who lives just minutes from the track in neighboring Hoschton, Ga., drove his 2022 Radical SR10 XX to victory in both Saturday’s Feature Race 1 and Sunday’s Feature Race 2. Behind Nicol, Jon Field and Zac Moseley each claimed two podiums, swapping positions with Field taking second in Race 1 and third in Race 2, while Moseley finished third in the PS1 class in Race 1 before taking second in Race 2. Both Field and Moseley piloted 2022 Revolution A-1 500SCs. 

In the PS2 category, Canadian Peter Dyck took both feature wins driving his 2020 Revolution 427. 

“We had a great opening weekend of competition for PSSA,” said Tony Parella, CEO of Parella Motorsports Holdings and founder of PSSA. “We just announced the series two months ago, so to have seven cars at our opening event, I am certain that we’ll see significant growth before the season’s end. Hankook put together a great tire for these prototypes, and our friends at Revolution and Radical did a great job getting the word out to their customers about this new series. The racing was entertaining, and the competition was both clean and safe; there’s nothing more that we could ask for.” 

PSSA will be back in action on Hankook tires for a West Coast doubleheader with back-to-back races at Sonoma Raceway (April 27-30) and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (May 4-7). 

State Bicycle Co. has been named the official bike supplier of the Little 500 bicycle race, one of the most iconic and highly anticipated collegiate events in the United States. Held annually at Indiana University, the Little 500 is a grueling race around the quarter-mile cinder track at Bill Armstrong Stadium. The event dates back to 1951 and draws thousands of spectators every year. 

"We feel that we’re bringing an authentic perspective that students can really relate to," said State Bicycle Co. co-founder Mehdi Farsi on IU student blog, Ringer Bike Review. "The Little 500 is very much in line with what we find to be exiting, interesting, and fun about cycling. We're honored that we’re able to partner with the IU Student Foundation and the Little 500 for this race."

Over 200 custom-designed State Little 500 bikes were shipped to IU, supplying each four-person team with a quality bike to rip around the track. The steel frame provides a compliant ride without sacrificing durability, while the custom paint designed by the Little 500 Riders’ council reflects the iconic race with a retro colorway. As qualifiers took place this past weekend, riders got their first chance to put the race bikes to the test. “We had zero mechanical failures. It is absolutely unheard of that no riders experienced even a dropped chain on this day,” said Little 500 mechanic, Greg Souder. 

After a decades-long partnership with Schwinn, the iconic race is excited about this new partnership with State. "The new bikes are beautiful," said Little 500 race director, Emily Carrico on Ringer Bike Review. "We have some fun changes to them, like the sealed cartridge bearings in the bottom bracket. It makes it a lot easier for riders to maintain their bikes throughout the season.”

The 35th edition of the Women’s Little 500 is Friday, April 21 and the 72nd edition of the Men’s Little 500 is Saturday, April 22. 

“Win the Weekend,” the recently released eight-part docuseries capturing behind-the-scenes development of the International Motor Sports Association’s new hybrid-electrified GTP class, has exceeded expectations from both the sanctioning body and Michelin, the presenting partner on the project.

The catalyst to create the docuseries originated with a vast IMSA-Michelin consumer research project conducted by Navigate that provided data insights around potential new audiences for IMSA content. The late 2021 study revealed that 65% of those unfamiliar with IMSA indicated they were potential fans.

“We found obvious direction from the Navigate research data that indicated a desire for IMSA content,” said IMSA Senior Vice President, Marketing and Operations, David Pettit. “But jumping straight into an IMSA race could be challenging for potential fans for various reasons. So, we opted for a different approach and utilized a platform that’s always on, always available and free to view.”

“’Win the Weekend’ is a great example of a client creatively utilizing the data, expertise, and consulting we provided to maximize the reach of their brand,” added AJ Maestas, founder of Navigate. “This project helps them connect with a massive new audience, while also providing value to existing fans.”

With an average of 1.5 million viewers per episode, “Win the Weekend” has exceeded viewership expectations, but also achieved exactly what IMSA and Michelin hoped it would – reach new audiences.

“We opted to utilize the YouTube platform so that we could intentionally target the various automotive affinity groups and passionate auto enthusiasts throughout North America,” Pettit said. “The goal was to build brand awareness and product interest among those not previously exposed, and early key performance indicators show that we are succeeding.”

Of the 4.7 million total viewers over the first three episodes, 4.2 million were previously unexposed to the IMSA YouTube page. IMSA has also seen increases in its subscriber base (+9,000 since episode 1, a 4% increase), and positive sentiment (+82%) in reaction to the on-demand content. *

Michelin, a longtime IMSA Corporate Partner, which spearheaded the research project with Navigate to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the IMSA audience potential, is also pleased with the results to date.

“Thrilling races have always been a part of the IMSA series, and 'Win the Weekend' shares a new perspective of life in the paddock,” said Katelyn Berry, vice president of business to consumer marketing of Michelin North America, Inc. “Seeing an increase of new viewers is exciting, and we are proud to partner with IMSA in unique ways to tell their story.”

Produced by the automotive creative agency, Tangent Vector, “Win the Weekend” offers an exclusive, inside perspective from teams, drivers and industry professionals around the new GTP class. The docuseries is available for free to all viewers on the official IMSA YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/imsaofficial).

(*-YouTube analytics) 

As many of my listeners, and some readers know, I have been waiting for my 2023 Ford Maverick for what seems like an eternity. In reality, it has been more than a year since my wife and I first started researching the hybrid model of Ford's newest pickup. Now that it has been built and shipped from the factory in Hermosillo, Mexico, the real fun starts. But, how many of you are considering the move from traditional internal combustion to hybrid, or even full electric? If the online polls are correct, I'd say more than a few!

• New study reveals that the Tesla Cybertruck is the most widely searched electric vehicle set to debut in 2023, with a total of 1,854,710 searches

• The Cybertruck's search volume was found to be eight times higher than that of the equally iconic Mercede's EQS SUV, which received only 231,510 monthly searches and secured the second place in the list

• Despite the DeLorean Alpha being the electric successor to the iconic car featured in the "Back to the Future" trilogy, ranks at the bottom of the list with a search volume of only 14,700

A study conducted by automotive industry experts at Rerev involved gathering and analyzing Google search data of the most anticipated electric cars over the past 2 months. Google search data revealed Tesla Cybertruck as the most awaited out of them all especially after Elon Musk’s recent video on his Twitter showcasing the Cybertruck at Tesla Engineering Headquarters.

Within less than 24 hours, the video received 27.2 million views, 10.3 thousand retweets, and 157.3 thousand likes and has led to an increase in the global search volume for "Tesla Cybertruck" over the past two days

In response to this rising trend in searches, Rerev conducted a deeper analysis to find which  are the most anticipated cars to be released in 2023 based on google search volume over the past two months.

How do you feel about the move towards a fully electric fleet? How will it effect the future of auto racing? These and other questions will be addressed here, as well as on Speedway Digest Thursday Night Thunder. Be sure to tune in!

• Becoming the first woman to break the top 10 in AMA ArenaCross Lites Main  
• The first woman in Monster Energy AMA Supercross to qualify for the Fast 40  
• The first woman to compete in a freestyle Moto X Competition  
• Being named the Loretta Lynn’s AMA Women’s Amateur National Champion  
• Earning four gold medals in Women’s Moto X Racing at the X Games 
• Receiving the title of TransWorld Motocross Magazine’s Female Motocross Rookie of the Year  
• Nominated for an ESPY Award for Best Female Action Sports Athlete  

The Heart of Racing (HOR) has grown its SRO program for the 2023 season, and will kick the full championship off this weekend at Sonoma Raceway with one entry in the GT America powered by AWS series as well as two Aston Martins in the Pirelli GT4 America series.

WATCH LIVE ON GTWorld's YOUTUBE

SUNDAY , APRIL 2 (Local time: Pacific)
8:55am-9:35am — GT America RACE 2
10:55am-11:55am — Pirelli GT4 America RACE 2


Hannah Grisham and Rianna O’Meara-Hunt will make their Pirelli GT4 America debut this weekend onboard the No. 26 Aston Martin GT4. Grisham and O’Meara-Hunt emerged from The Heart of Racing’s all-female shootout which took place last November at Apex Motor Club. The shootout, which saw female racers from all around the world take two-full days of on and off-track training with HOR’s drivers and crew onboard Aston Martin GT4s.

HOR had originally intended to select one deserving driver, but the performances from both Grisham and O’Meara-Hunt stood out, and the team elected to provide the pair with the opportunity to co-drive in the Pirelli GT4 America Series. Since that selection, Grisham and O’Meara-Hunt have had the chance to test HORs Aston Martins ahead of the season and are now ready to put their long awaited wait to the side and kick off their first race weekend as co-drivers. 

Grisham came from a karting background before moving up to Spec Miata’s. Most recently, the California native competed in the World Racing League for the past two seasons having earned two national championship titles in the series. 

“I’m so excited for my first race at Sonoma with The Heart of Racing,” said Grisham. “It’s a real full-circle moment since I have raced karts at the kart track at Sonoma as a kid and now I’m racing there in cars. I’m ready to kick the season off with a talented, great teammate and a new team for my first SRO start!” 

O’Meara-Hunt will not only make her first GT4 America start, but will also make her first race start in North America. The 21 year-old Kiwi has driven karts in New Zealand and Australia for most of her career, earning SuperKart National Champion in Rotax Lights and SuperKart National Grand Prix Champion in Rotax Lights titles. 

“I’m really excited heading into Sonoma and getting this new adventure underway,” said O’Meara-Hunt. “Coming somewhat into the unknown, a new country, new series, new car, new drivers, new rules, new tracks, I have been working hard since the announcement to prep to the best of my ability and to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible. I know with the support and experience of The Heart of Racing family I am in great hands and am pumped to head out on circuit to show what the No. 26 Aston Martin can do.” 

Gray Newell will pilot the No. 25 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 once again after starting off the GT America powered by AWS season at the Firestone Grand Prix in St. Petersburg last month. Newell was just shy of back-to-back victories in St. Pete, and came home with two runner up finishes. Last season at Sonoma, Newell qualified 10th, but had two unlucky races and will be looking for better fortunes to back up his promising runs at St. Pete. 

Pulling double duty for the weekend, Newell will join Ian James as the pair start their third season in Pirelli GT4 America together onboard the No. 24 Aston Martin Vantage. Newell and James are hoping to get off to a better start to their season than last year which saw the pair lead the majority of the race before an issue with two laps remaining sent the Aston Martin back to 15th in the order. Unfortunately, that same issue sidelined the pair for the second race. 

“I’m ready to get back in the car with Gray,” said James. “We had a great run at Sonoma last year and we are already off to a good start in the GT3 car in the 24H Series, I think we can carry this momentum into both races this weekend. The team has worked hard in the off season to get this car ready and I think it’s going to pay off pretty quickly this season.” 

 Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, is returning to South Florida with its ultimate automotive lifestyle event, April 13-15, 2023, at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Celebrating 20 years in Palm Beach, the 2023 Palm Beach Auction will once again be the East Coast’s epicenter for collector car enthusiasts featuring a docket of coveted collectible vehicles, dozens of sponsor and exhibitor displays, and thrill rides in the latest performance vehicles from Dodge, Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet.

2020 Ford GT from The Steve Todhunter Collection

“As one of our longest running events, the Palm Beach Auction has become a pinnacle event for enthusiasts to find an incredible selection of collectible vehicles in one of the country’s most popular destinations,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Unlike anything else, Barrett-Jackson’s ultimate automotive lifestyle event has something for everyone. From our diverse No Reserve docket featuring hundreds of desirable collectibles to exciting auction action in the arena and hot laps and thrill rides in the latest performance vehicles on the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track, it’s the perfect event for the entire family.”

Among several of the top vehicles crossing the auction block in Palm Beach with No Reserve is a 2020 Ford GT and a 2005 Ford GT, both from The Steve Todhunter Collection. The 2020 third generation Ford GT is finished in Triple Yellow Tri-Coat paint, accented by Shadow Black overtop stripes reminiscent of a 1967 GT40 racing livery and has less than 1,300 miles. The 2005 model, finished in Mark IV Red with white Le Mans stripes and a Code LB Ebony Black leather interior, has just 538 miles.

1966 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS “Novakill”

The diverse docket will also feature an impressive selection of custom one-off vehicles like the custom 1966 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS nicknamed “Novakill” and impeccably built Resto-Mods, including examples from the highly desirable SUV market such as a custom 1969 Ford Bronco powered by a Gen 3 Ford 5.0-liter Coyote crate engine.

Novakill is powered by its supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 crate engine mated to an 8-speed transmission and has been rotisserie-restored and upgraded with the latest technology. Riding on its Detroit Speed chassis, this one-off custom vehicle was finished in January of this year and features just 100 test miles.

This custom 1969 Ford Bronco’s Gen 3 Ford 5.0-liter Coyote crate engine produces more than 460 hp and is paired to its 6-speed automatic transmission. Built by OMF Car Craft, this tan Bronco rides on a Kincer chassis with a 2.5-inch lift and includes modern upgrades such as Vintage Air, a 7-inch Apple Car Play display, Bluetooth capability, Dakota Digital gauges and a color-matched Raptor-lined interior and engine compartment as well as a black Raptor-lined undercoating.

“On the heels of our record-breaking Scottsdale Auction in January, we’re eager to bring the hobby’s momentum and passion to the collector car community in Florida once again,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “With a diverse docket appealing to collectors at every level, we’re committed to growing this hobby by ensuring the first-time buyers, and veteran collectors alike, can find the crown jewel they’ve always dreamed of owning.”

2009 Ford Mustang Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition

Barrett-Jackson made history in January by surpassing the $150 million milestone in total dollars raised for charity. To date, the company has raised nearly $152 million and will continue to advance its charitable giving in Palm Beach with the sale of multiple charity vehicles. Among the charity vehicles crossing the block is a 2009 Ford Mustang Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition benefiting Ellis Island Honors Society.

Number 15 of the 45 Iacocca Mustangs built, this 45^th Anniversary Edition vehicle has less than 1,000 actual miles on the odometer. Rare and highly collectible, this iconic Mustang benefiting the Ellis Island Honors Society will help support their efforts in honoring the contributions made by immigrants and their descendants throughout American history, by creating scholarships, supporting cultural events and programs, and helping raises funds for disaster relief efforts worldwide.

Barrett-Jackson is currently accepting consignments for the 2023 Palm Beach Auction. Those interested in being a part of the auction may consign their collector vehicle here. Those interested in registering to bid for the 2023 Palm Beach Auction may do so here.

To purchase tickets and VIP packages to the event, click here. Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube #BarrettJackson.