Conor Daly will start 19th in Sunday’s Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park following a difficult qualifying session on Saturday. Driving the No. 76 Chevrolet for Juncos Hollinger Racing, Daly was eliminated in Round 1 after finishing 10th in his group. He later admitted that he missed putting together the “ideal lap” that could have helped him advance further in the qualifying rounds.
Daly’s fastest lap came on his final attempt, clocking in at 1 minute, 8.0017 seconds with a top speed of 121.762 mph. Despite his best effort, this time was not enough to secure a spot in the top six of his 13-car group, falling 0.8343 seconds behind group leader Alex Palou. Palou later claimed pole position after the Firestone Fast Six shootout, leaving Daly further back in the combined standings at 19th overall.
After qualifying, Conor Daly took to social media to share his honest feelings about the session. While expressing frustration over missing an ideal lap, Daly showed determination and hope for the upcoming race.
The car showed signs of improvement in handling, which we aim to build on tomorrow,
he said, signaling optimism despite the setback.
Daly and the No. 76 team plan to rely on race strategy and consistent pace to climb through the field during Sunday’s contest. Currently ranked 21st in the IndyCar drivers‘ standings with 32 points, Daly trails his teammate Sting Ray Robb, who is 20th with 39 points. This qualifying outcome adds tension to an already challenging season for Daly, but he remains resolute in pushing forward.
Outside of Barber, Conor Daly was emotionally moved by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s latest promotional video for the Indy 500, which highlights the race’s rich history and cultural significance in America. As an Indiana native, Daly found the video especially meaningful and shared his reaction on X. The 33-year-old driver, preparing for his 12th Indy 500 attempt, is keenly aware of the race’s importance to fans and drivers alike.
The 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 25, with the green flag expected to wave at 10:00 am ET, the traditional day before Memorial Day. For Daly, this event remains a critical goal amid the ups and downs of the current season.
Conor Daly’s Barber Motorsports Park qualifying struggles underscore the unpredictable nature of IndyCar racing, where finding the perfect lap can be the difference between starting near the front or battling through the pack. Fans will be watching eagerly on Sunday to see if Daly can translate his hopes and improvements into a stronger race result.
