With the 2026 IndyCar season approaching, Conor Daly‘s place in the series remains in question as he faces a new chapter following his departure from Juncos Hollinger Racing. Daly, known for his perseverance and competitive spirit, reflected on his recent journey, underlining his passion for the sport and hinting at possible new opportunities as he seeks to continue his career in IndyCar.
Reflecting on a Challenging 2025 IndyCar Season
Conor Daly’s 2025 season marked a return to full-time racing with Juncos Hollinger Racing, a team he previously raced for early in his career when it was known as Juncos Racing. Daly had high hopes after capturing the Star Mazda championship with the team over a decade ago. While his performances on oval tracks often made headlines for their boldness and excitement, Daly, along with his teammate Sting Ray Robb, struggled to consistently achieve strong results on road and street circuits. The highlight for the team came when Robb secured a ninth-place finish at the Long Beach Grand Prix, representing Juncos Hollinger Racing’s top result away from the ovals in 2025.
As the 2025 campaign concluded, Daly took to Instagram on December 31 to share his thoughts and emotions about the year:
“2025… a return to full time @indycar racing with some incredible team members. Some have been with me through multiple different stages of my career and I will always appreciate their work. Once again felt like I had a shot to win multiple races this year… Went through some really difficult times personally and professionally… I am so thankful for those around me who still believe… because I have never given up on what I know I can do. 2026 can only be better. A fresh reset. See you there.”
– Conor Daly, Driver
Daly’s social media post included various moments from the season, featuring scenes with his teammates in the Indy 500 pit area, snaps with supporters, and a special photo with the band All-American Rejects. Despite a solid effort throughout the year, Daly did not receive a contract renewal for 2026, as Rinus Veekay was announced as his replacement at Juncos Hollinger Racing.
Options Narrow After Dale Coyne Racing Setback
As the off-season unfolded, one final full-time seat remained open for the 2026 IndyCar grid: the second spot at Dale Coyne Racing alongside Dennis Hauger. Daly was considered among the leading contenders, joined by Romain Grosjean and Linus Lundqvist in the pool of candidates. However, Daly recently revealed on his Speed Street podcast that he is no longer expecting an offer from the team:
“There’s obviously a lot of talk and speculation on who’s going there (DCR), and I know my name has been in that hat. And I talked to Dale, you know, several times. But yeah, that’s not looking like somewhere that I will be, and that’s fine.”
– Conor Daly, Driver
“To be honest, I have not heard from Dale in a long time. So, he’s got his way of doing things. I respect him. I’ve driven there before, but I think they’ve got other things that they are working on. So I’ll be very curious to see how that ends up,” the 34-year-old added.
– Conor Daly, Driver
With his prospects at Dale Coyne Racing diminishing, Daly has shifted focus toward potential opportunities at the Indianapolis 500, where his skills on oval circuits have been well recognized by the paddock and team owners.
Potential Future with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing
Amidst the uncertainty, Dreyer and Reinbold Racing appears as a possible landing spot for Daly for the Indy 500. The team currently has a vacancy alongside Jack Harvey, and Daly’s expertise and experience in high-speed oval racing have kept his name in the conversation. As he explores these opportunities, Daly’s situation is being closely watched by fans and insiders alike, eager to see if he will secure a competitive seat for the iconic race.
Conor Daly’s journey through the highs and lows of IndyCar racing remain a testament to his passion for the sport and his determination to compete at the highest level. Whether joining Dreyer and Reinbold Racing for the Indy 500 or seeking an alternative path, Daly’s pursuit of another shot in IndyCar continues to keep fans engaged as the 2026 season approaches.
