The Department of Homeland Security shared an AI-generated image of an ICE-sponsored IndyCar this week, which attracted the attention of some of IndyCar’s officials and a top driver.
The image, titled “The Speedway Slammer,” featured a jailhouse backdrop behind a car on the track. The car was labeled with the number 5, the same as Pato O’Ward’s car. O’Ward, a 26-year-old driver, hails from Monterrey, Mexico.
Indycar driver Pato O’Ward drives across the finish line during the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Streets of Toronto. (Dan Hamilton/Imagn Images)
Upon seeing the post, O’Ward expressed surprise and discomfort at the coincidences and implications of the image. IndyCar, in a statement, expressed their disapproval of the use of their imagery without prior knowledge or consent.
O’Ward mentioned that he was made aware of the post by a friend but chose not to delve too deeply into its meaning.
Pato O’Ward of Mexico, driving for Arrow McLaren, on pit lane during qualifications for the NTT IndyCar Series Indianapolis 500 qualifying May 18, 2024, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis. (Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also used the “SpeedwaySlammer” reference in a post announcing a new partnership with the state of Indiana to increase detention space by 1,000 beds. Indiana is the home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the IndyCar Series is headquartered.
While O’Ward currently holds the second position in points, Àlex Palou could secure the IndyCar season title this weekend in Portland. O’Ward was in Texas promoting next year’s inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington.
Pato O’Ward of Mexico, driving for Arrow McLaren, talks with his crew after qualifying for the NTT IndyCar Series Sonsio Grand Prix May 10, 2024, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in Indianapolis. (Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The upcoming race on March 15 will take place on a 2.7-mile layout around the home stadiums of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and MLB’s Texas Rangers. O’Ward recently threw the ceremonial first pitch at a Rangers’ game against the New York Yankees.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
