In a heated moment during the 2025 IndyCar GP of Portland, Ed Carpenter Racing’s Christian Rasmussen criticized Conor Daly following a high-speed crash on lap 15. The incident occurred amid an intense on-track battle in which Daly’s car struck the barriers after contact with Rasmussen at Turn 10.
Conor Daly, driving the #77 Juncos Hollinger car, was forced to retire from the 110-lap race due to the crash. As he attempted an outside pass around Turn 10, he was clipped by Rasmussen, causing the severe collision. Commentators noted this moment as one of the race’s most aggressive exchanges, with both drivers pushing their limits in pursuit of position.
Christian Rasmussen, currently in 17th place and aiming for a top-10 finish after 34 laps, firmly denies responsibility for the crash. His frustration was evident in a team radio message where he sharply criticized Daly’s approach.
“He’s just ramming into me now. He ran out of talent there. Watch the bottom here. I don’t know what he expected me to do there.”
—Christian Rasmussen, Driver, Ed Carpenter Racing
In the current 2025 IndyCar season standings, Rasmussen holds 14th place with 239 points, including one top-five and five top-ten finishes across 14 rounds. Daly sits at 17th with 215 points, having achieved three top-ten finishes this season.
Conor Daly Responds Critically to Rasmussen After Crash Incident
Following the clash, Conor Daly offered his perspective during a pit road interview after being cleared by the IndyCar medical team. Daly expressed frustration at Rasmussen’s driving style and decisions leading to the collision, calling them “stupid.”
“Yeah, I mean, honestly, I saw him drive Colton almost into the wall on the back straight, and that’s how I got Colton and got his position. He was quite slow and, so I tried to pass him into 7 and then again, drove himself off the track to make sure I drove off the track.”
—Conor Daly, Driver, Juncos Hollinger Racing
“So again, I’m not really sure what was the point of that. It kind of seems stupid in my opinion. An then, he was really slow down the straight and I just went past him and he just never stopped.”
—Conor Daly, Driver, Juncos Hollinger Racing
The Portland GP is now more than halfway complete, with 48 of the 110 laps finished. After the crash forced Daly out, Rasmussen has climbed back into the top 10 and currently holds 9th place as he pushes to improve his race result.
With only two races remaining on the 2025 IndyCar schedule after Portland, every point is critical. Daly’s exit means he misses out on potential scoring opportunities, while Rasmussen’s continued effort could bolster his standing in the drivers’ championship.
