Key Highlights
- IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward stars in a new TV spot driving a garbage truck.
- The spot will debut during the NFC championship game on January 29, 2026.
- This is the second IndyCar campaign featuring high-profile drivers in surprising situations by Fox Sports.
- Special US, the company partnering with Fox Sports, aims to introduce drivers to casual fans and reward hardcore fans with easter eggs.
New TV Spot: Pato O’Ward Takes Over a Garbage Truck
IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward is shaking up the usual race car setup, as he takes over the wheel of a garbage truck in a new television spot. This creative campaign, set to air during the NFC championship game on January 29, 2026, marks an exciting addition to Fox Sports’ marketing strategy for the NTT IndyCar Series.
A Unique Twist: Pato O’Ward’s Garbage Truck Adventures
During this lighthearted and humorous spot, O’Ward navigates a neighborhood in what is clearly not his usual racing environment. The video showcases him driving well above the speed limit, sending mailboxes and garbage cans flying as he goes. The soundtrack, featuring the Dropkick Murphys song “I’m Shipping Up to Boston,” adds an energetic backdrop to this unexpected adventure.
What’s more, O’Ward takes a moment to wink at some dedicated fans watching from their lawns in Concord Acres, adding a personal touch that fans will surely appreciate. This spot is part of the ongoing effort by Fox Sports and Special US to engage both casual and hardcore IndyCar fans with unique content.
Strategy Behind the Scenes: A Deliberate Choice
Dave Horton, chief creative officer & partner at Special US, explains that these spots are designed to celebrate the on-track personas of drivers. “Each spot celebrates the on-track persona of the drivers to help introduce them to casual fans, while giving the hardcore fans rewarding easter eggs that nod to past seasons,” he says.
While this garbage truck spot is a unique twist for O’Ward, it’s part of a broader strategy that Fox Sports has employed. Last season, Josef Newgarden hosted a garden party at his home, cooking and creating a sense of mystery behind the scenes. Both spots are meant to humanize the drivers and create engaging content outside of their usual racing environments.
Upcoming Spots: More Surprises in Store
More surprises are on the horizon as Fox Sports continues its campaign for the 2026 IndyCar season. In March, Will Power will star in his own spot with Andretti Global during the season opener in St. Petersburg.
The reigning champion, Alex Palou, is set to return and feature in another episode that promises to be just as unexpected.
These spots are not only fun for fans but also serve a strategic purpose. By showcasing drivers in different roles, Fox Sports hopes to keep the audience engaged and maintain interest throughout the season. As Horton notes, “We want to keep the fans interested by showing them the human side of these racing legends.”
The upcoming IndyCar season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with more surprises and thrilling races ahead. Stay tuned for what else these drivers have in store as they take on life outside the race track.