Fans of IndyCar racing can meet one of the stars of the circuit ahead of this weekend's big Java House Grand Prix of Arlington: Pato O’Ward will make a pit stop at a Dallas-area Walmart for an exclusive fan meet-and-greet a few days ahead of the race.

According to a release, O'Ward will appear at Walmart Supercenter at 200 US Highway 80 E., in Mesquite, at 1 pm Wednesday, March 11.

"Fresh off a career-best 2nd place finish in the 2025 Championship, O’Ward will be available for photos, autographs, and a look at how he fuels his race-day focus with Electrolit, his official hydration partner (also Grand Prix of Arlington hydration partner)," the announcement says.

Get there early and line up for these reasons:

• The first 100 guests in line to meet Pato will receive a custom cowboy hat.
• Grab a photo, snag an autograph, and rehydrate with a refreshing Electrolit. ("See how the driver of the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet stays sharp for 200mph battles.")
• Hear firsthand from the man who recently threw the first pitch at a Texas Rangers game to celebrate this landmark race.

The Java House Grand Prix of Arlington, running March 13-15, will feature a 2.73-mile track layout that will weave through Arlington’s sports and entertainment district, which includes both AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, the home bases of the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers, as well as Choctaw Stadium, the Arlington Convention Center, and more.

The event in Arlington marks a return to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the NTT IndyCar Series after Texas Motor Speedway - which hosted a race every year between 1997 and 2023 - was dropped in 2024. Tickets are available here.

Many local businesses and restaurants are hosting related events and viewing parties, as well.