O'Ward returns for Sebring after impressive Lights debut

Above: A champagne bath for Patricio O'Ward after winning in the PC category at the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Performance Tech Motorsports' Patricio "Pato" O'Ward is riding a high into the Mobile 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The Mexican teenager has gotten off to an amazing start with a Rolex 24 at Daytona win in the PC category, just added finishes of fifth and third for Team Pelfrey in his Indy Lights debut last weekend, and arrives in Sebring as one of the favorites to win for Brent O'Neill's PC program.

Fully aware he's in the envious position of racing in two professional series while most kids his age are only focused on getting through high school, the rosy 17-year-old says he's loving the start to 2017.

"Winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona is so unique," O'Ward told RACER. "Some work at it their whole careers and don't get it, and to get it my first time ... at my first endurance race, I was really proud of myself and the team."

O'Ward was surprised to find he completed the equivalent of a half-season of Mazda Road To Indy open-wheel races during the Rolex 24.

"I did a lot of work in the race; I did three triple stints, and that was new to me," he said. "I was up almost the whole race; I think I slept maybe one hour from the 24. Winning that Rolex watch ... it's like a trophy for me."

Once he and Performance Tech teammates James French and Kyle Masson are done at Sebring, O'Ward will have a slight break before the next Indy Lights race is held in April.

"I wanted to be in Indy Lights and got the call before the race to its cool to see where we are," said O'Ward, who holds third in the Indy Lights standings while leading the PC championship. "I'm pretty optimistic you'll see me back with Team Pelfrey in Barber next month.

"The St. Pete weekend went well, I worked well with the team, and we developed the car quite a lot. It was a job well done by both sides. Now the focus goes to sports cars [at Sebring]. I think it should be a fun week for me."