Conor Daly criticized IndyCar driving standards sharply following his lap 1 collision at the Laguna Seca race last week. The Juncos Hollinger Racing driver, involved in the incident early in the 95-lap Java House Grand Prix of Monterey held in Laguna Seca, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current level of race conduct in America’s premier open-wheel series.
Starting 23rd on the grid near PREMA teammates Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman, Daly encountered contact while navigating a turn on the first lap. His car spun into the gravel after making contact with Shwartzman’s competitor. This incident led Daly to publicly condemn what he perceives as declining driving standards across the IndyCar field.
Daly’s Firm Criticism of Current Driving Standards
In a candid conversation on a recent episode of Speed Street with Chase Holden, Daly articulated his frustrations without reservation. He described the event where he felt he was hit and criticized the environment drivers are competing in today. Daly said:
“That was just a really unfortunate situation and, you know, I definitely came on the radio and I was like, hey you know, I obviously can’t see it, but the way I got spun, and the way I felt it is, yeah, it feels like I got hit. And I did, so, kudos to Race Control for not throwing any penalties out there. Obviously, it’s very much, we talked to Christian about it. It’s hit or be hit. Currently, in our sport, I would say the driving standards are at the lowest.” [21:17 onwards]. —Conor Daly, IndyCar driver
Although the incident disrupted Daly’s early race, he was able to recover and finish 14th, climbing nine places by the end. He completed the race just behind David Malukas of AJ Foyt Racing, showing resilience despite the setback.
Positive Performance Despite Early Setback
Conor Daly has demonstrated a solid 2025 season with Juncos Hollinger Racing, a smaller team compared to others in the series. After 14 rounds, Daly stands 17th in the drivers‘ championship, accumulating 215 points and achieving three top-ten finishes. His performance at Laguna Seca reflected his ability to maintain competitiveness even after challenging moments.
Following his recovery at the Monterey event, Daly shared his satisfaction with the car’s handling during the latter part of the race. He remarked on the team’s capability and the car’s pace against some of the series’ frontrunners, stating:
“Heading into the gravel on Lap 1 through no fault of our own was a shame. Luckily we managed to keep the car going, eventually going from last place to finish in 14th. I was really happy with the car once we got to the last stint. I think the team knew we had a decent car, and to be right up on the gearbox of the #4, #2, and #15 felt good for us.” —Conor Daly, IndyCar driver
Looking Ahead to the End of the 2025 Season
With only three Grand Prix events remaining in the 2025 campaign, Daly remains focused on finishing the season strongly. His ongoing progress with the #76 JHC car reflects not only his driving skill but also the strategic efforts of his team. As the season concludes, Daly’s determination to improve his standings and challenge higher-ranked drivers grows more evident.
His outspoken comments about IndyCar driving standards could spark discussions within the series about how race conduct and adjudication are managed, potentially influencing stricter driving regulations or more rigorous enforcement in future events. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely as the championship reaches its final stages.
