The road to the 2027 Java House Grand Prix of Arlington officially got underway this month as NTT INDYCAR SERIES fan favorites Pato O'Ward and Conor Daly returned to Arlington to help announce that 3-day tickets for next year's race will go on sale October 9.
Just six months removed from the inaugural race through Arlington's Entertainment District, the pair spent the weekend celebrating two of North Texas' most iconic sports brands and bringing INDYCAR’s newest race back into the spotlight at both the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers games.
Pato O'Ward Takes the Field for the Cowboys' Home Opener
On September 20, Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward joined the Dallas Cowboys for their home opener against the Washington Commanders as part of the organization’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. One of the most popular drivers in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Pato, who grew up in San Antonio Texas, has become one of the strongest advocates for the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington.
Prior to kickoff, Pato spent time on the field with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and reconnected with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, whom he joined for an aerial tour of the racetrack aboard Jones' helicopter last December, ahead of the inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington. Before the game began, Pato also visited with members of the Cowboys' special teams unit, including kicker Brandon Aubrey, punter Bryan Anger and long snapper Trent Sieg.
The connection between INDYCAR and the Cowboys extends beyond game day. Last season, Anger experienced INDYCAR's famed "Fastest Seat in Sports" ride at the series opener in St. Petersburg, while Aubrey had his chance this past March and led the field of 25 through Arlington's Entertainment District ahead of the inaugural race.
Conor Daly Throws Out the First Pitch on INDYCAR Night at Globe Life Field
A few days earlier, Conor Daly, Dryer & Reinbold Racing, visited Globe Life Field as part of INDYCAR Night with the Texas Rangers on Friday, September 18. Daly spent the evening meeting fans, visiting with Rangers players and throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a high-energy crowd of 30,000 fans, as the Texas Rangers continue to chase a playoff spot.
Before taking the mound, Daly presented Rangers first baseman Jake Burger with a signed 2027 Java House Grand Prix of Arlington helmet and spent time with fans near the event's updated show car display.
Though Daly will be competing in the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington for the first time in 2027, he had a unique opportunity during the inaugural race.
“Honestly, I am really thankful that I got the chance to experience it as a fan,” Daly expressed while chatting with Rangers Sports Network. “I did get to do “ The Fastest Seat in Sports,” so I got to drive the very first lap before the race, which was awesome because I got to see the crowd. And it was fantastic to see. All the other drivers felt the same thing. The crowd and the response from the fans here in Texas were awesome, and now I get to race it.”
Earlier in the evening, Atlético Dallas’ newest forward, Javier Hernández Balcázar, better known as Chicharito, also took the mound for a ceremonial pitch, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Night. The two athletes had a chance to connect and talk about their new opportunities in DFW and their shared love of sports.
Building Momentum for Year Two
O'Ward and Daly aren't the first NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers to make their way into the heart of DFW sports culture.
Ahead of the inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington, drivers popped up across North Texas introducing fans to INDYCAR long before the first green flag. O'Ward threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Texas Rangers game and later attended a Dallas Stars matchup going into race weekend, while drivers including Josef Newgarden, Kyle Kirkwood, Marcus Armstrong and Marcus Ericsson made appearances at Cowboys games, the Dallas Open and Supercross.
As excitement builds toward the 2027 Java House Grand Prix of Arlington, appearances like these continue to connect the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with fans across North Texas, keeping the race front and center long before engines fire in March.
Tickets for the 2027 Java House Grand Prix of Arlington go on sale October 9. Follow gparlington.com for updates, driver appearances and race weekend news.
