Conor Daly, driving for Juncos Hollinger Racing, will start from 13th on the grid at the Indianapolis 500. As a home competitor, Daly aims to replicate the success he experienced during the 105th running of this famed event in 2021 by chasing a top finish once again. The 2021 race saw Daly lead for a significant portion and showcase his potential in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
Competing this season in the #76 Chevrolet, Daly is in search of his maiden victory with JHR. He remains confident that the performance of his current car gives him a realistic chance to contend for a win amid a highly competitive field.
Reflecting on the 2021 Indianapolis 500 Performance
During the 2021 race, Daly was behind the wheel for Ed Carpenter Racing and led the race for 40 of the 200 laps. He initially took the lead on lap 50 but was later affected by an incident on lap 119 when a loose wheel from Graham Rahal’s car hit the front of Daly’s vehicle in Turn 2. The resulting damage drastically reduced his car’s aerodynamic efficiency, preventing him from staying in contention and forcing him to settle for 13th place.
Daly recognized the car this year bears resemblance to the one he handled in 2021, which was the best he had driven at Indianapolis to date.
“Gives me a little bit of a feeling that I had in 2021, which was the best car that I’ve ever had here,” Daly said. —Conor Daly, IndyCar Driver
“I get that feeling that this thing (car) sucks up really well in the tow and the draft, and it’s just got the ability to race well,” he added. —Conor Daly, IndyCar Driver
Notably, Daly has recorded six top-10 finishes at the Indy 500 and has led a total of 69 laps, matching the number led by two-time defending champion Josef Newgarden. This underlines Daly’s experience and competitiveness at the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Explaining the Qualifying Setback at Indianapolis
Conor Daly was unable to progress into the Fast 12 round of qualifying for the Indianapolis 500, held on Saturday, May 17. Despite a strong start, Daly admitted responsibility for narrowly missing out on advancing, citing a driving mistake during his final lap.
Daly appeared on course to secure the 12th and last spot in the Fast 12 after a solid run of three laps. However, a slight reduction in speed on his final circuit cost him dearly. His four-lap average speed was 231.725 mph, just 0.0564 seconds shy over the 10-mile course, placing him 13th overall. Daly took ownership of this outcome, explaining the technical issue that affected his performance during the decisive lap.
“I really wanted to get into that Fast 12,” Daly said. “I investigated holding sixth gear through Turns 1 and 2, and it worked for those middle two laps. But I didn’t get the weight jacker back in time for Turn 1 on the last lap. Literally, the team deserves to be in the Fast 12. I made the mistake of trying to push it too much and not getting the weight jacker back in time. Just got a little bit tight in (Turns) 1 and 2.” —Conor Daly, IndyCar Driver
Starting Position Improved Due to Disqualifications
Although Daly qualified 13th, he will start the race from 11th place due to the disqualification of two Team Penske drivers, Josef Newgarden and Will Power. Both were demoted to 32nd and 33rd on the grid following their penalties, allowing Daly to move up two spots. This advancement may offer Daly a slight strategic advantage as the race unfolds.
Implications for Daly’s 2021 Indy 500 Campaign
Conor Daly’s start inside the top 15 keeps him well within striking distance of the leaders at the 2021 Indy 500, presenting opportunities to improve on his previous performances. His experience of leading laps and running competitively at Indianapolis is a positive sign, along with the confidence he expresses in his current car’s capabilities. The narrow miss in qualifying serves as a reminder of racing’s fine margins but also emphasizes Daly’s willingness to take responsibility and learn.
As the race begins, Daly will look to capitalize on his grid position and the strengths of his Chevrolet-powered entry, aiming to convert his promising qualifying pace into a strong finish. Given his history of top-10 results and his tenacity, Daly remains a notable contender for the sought-after victory at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
