In an exhilarating encounter that merged the thrill of speed with the finesse of pickleball, Selkirk Sport’s Rachel Rohrabacher, a rising star in the pickleball world, recently had a high-octane weekend at the Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio. This event provided her with a unique opportunity to meet and interact with some of the leading figures in auto racing, including the accomplished INDYCAR driver, Patricio (Pato) O’Ward.
The event kicked off with a warm meet and greet, where Rohrabacher and O’Ward exchanged stories and insights from their respective sports, as well as the gifting of a few brand new Selkirk Luxx Control Air pickleball paddles.
Rachel shared, "The overall experience was amazing. Pato is one of the kindest people I've ever met, and he was so patient, taking his time explaining really basic things about racing and the car he drives. He is a great person, and I'm looking forward to supporting him in future races."
However, the highlight of Rachel's visit was undoubtedly the fast lap around the race track. In the passenger seat of a 2-seater INDYCAR, she experienced the breathtaking speed of up to 180 mph. This adrenaline-pumping ride gave her a glimpse into the intense world of professional auto racing. "The lap was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced - it was a huge adrenaline rush, and I was kind of bummed when the lap ended so quickly. I would've stayed on for a good portion of the race if they let me!" she exclaimed.
In a perfect culmination to their day, hours after their meeting, O’Ward showcased his racing prowess by winning the Indy 200, adding another victory to his illustrious career.
The connection between the world of INDYCAR and pickleball extends beyond this event. Similar to previous occasions, the paddock often transforms into a spontaneous pickleball court, where drivers and teams unwind with spirited games, highlighting the sport’s growing popularity among racing professionals.
