P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mexican driver Pato O’Ward has been ‘caught off guard’ after US Homeland Security referenced the Mexican IndyCar driver to promote their new ‘Speedway Slammer’.
Arrow McLaren driver Pato O’Ward and IndyCar officials expressed concerns after US Homeland Security promoted the ‘Speedway Slammer’ in Indiana with a car featuring the number 5, matching O’Ward’s. O’Ward first learned about the post through a friend’s text and was taken aback by the coincidence. The post, depicting an AI-generated image of the car with ‘ICE’ on it in front of a jail, sparked controversy. IndyCar clarified that they were unaware of DHS’ plans and requested their name and imagery be dissociated from the detention center. Despite pushback, DHS defended the promotion as part of their strategy to combat illegal immigration. Following backlash, DHS removed the original post and replaced it with a different AI-generated image of the ICE IndyCar, sans the number 5.
