Conor Daly has been appointed as the reserve driver for Juncos Hollinger Racing in the 2026 IndyCar season while also taking on new roles with FOX and in NASCAR. After losing his full-time seat to Rinus Veekay following the 2025 campaign, Daly has managed to remain involved in motorsport through these varied opportunities as he continues to pursue race seats.
Maintaining Ties with Juncos Hollinger Racing and Sponsors
Following the 2025 season, Daly, 34, from Noblesville, Indiana, actively sought driving options including discussions with Dale Coyne Racing and AJ Foyt Racing, but ultimately no full-time drives materialized. Despite this, on Friday, Juncos Hollinger Racing confirmed that ampm and ARCO, sponsors Daly had secured, will appear on the cars of Rinus Veekay and Sting Ray Robb for the upcoming season. Daly revealed on his Speed Street podcast that these sponsorship partnerships remain close to him and led to his role as reserve driver with the team.
“ampm and ARCO, we have decided to work with JHR, who I was with obviously, last year and the year before, a little bit. So they’ll be on the cars I am not racing, that is Sting Ray and Rinus, for several primaries. I’m not gonna lie, it makes me feel a little queasy. However, after talking with everyone at ampm and ARCO, who I’m very proud to represent and will continue to be a brand representative for them in anything I do really in this year. Their support has means the world to me, and they have continued to stay faithful to me.”
?Conor Daly, IndyCar Driver and Brand Representative
Daly emphasized that the arrangement was completely transparent and collaborative, clarifying that the sponsors were not taken without his consent but remain partnerships he actively supports.
“I don’t want anyone to get mad. This isn’t like a sponsor stealing – this isn’t a team stealing a sponsor from me. I’m still involved as a reserve driver and working with the team at JHR in a reserve driver – it doesn’t really mean anything, honestly, but it is a title to be within the team. Obviously, if something happens, I am gonna be hopefully the one called upon. I don’t know if that’s a guarantee, but gosh, I hope so,”
?Conor Daly, IndyCar Driver and Brand Representative
Although Daly’s reserve role means he is likely to step in if needed, it does not restrict him from pursuing other IndyCar opportunities during the season. He remains a candidate for the Indy 500 with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing, keeping his options open for major events.
Expanding Into Broadcasting and NASCAR Spotting
Alongside maintaining his reserve driver duties, Daly has branched out into broadcasting and NASCAR. He shared on his podcast that he will serve as a spotter for the NASCAR Truck Series race at St. Petersburg. While he has expressed a desire to spot James Hinchcliffe, a FOX analyst and former IndyCar driver entering the Truck Series, he is also considering an offer from another unnamed driver.
“I’m gonna spot at the Truck race,” said Daly. “I actually don’t know who I’m going to spot for yet – I’ve said I’m going to try and spot for Hinch, but I haven’t heard back on how that’s gonna happen yet. But I’ve got an offer from another driver to spot for him too. So we’ll see, I’m going to do some sort of spotting.”
?Conor Daly, IndyCar Driver and Brand Representative
In addition to his spotting duties, Daly has signed on with FOX as a commentator for the Indy NXT series, working alongside Kevin Lee and Jack Harvey. This new role marks a significant transition into media, building on the positive reception he received previously while hosting during the Unser INDYCAR Open Test in Phoenix.
“I’m actually going to commentate for the Indy NXT series. I don’t know how that’s gonna go, but apparently I’m going to commentate for FOX. Shoutout FOX for wanting me to do this. Just from out of the kindness of my heart, just going to try, and I appreciate them for letting me do that. That hasn’t really been officially announced anywhere,”
?Conor Daly, IndyCar Driver and Brand Representative
This broadcasting opportunity allows Daly to leverage his racing knowledge and technical insight, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the sport through his firsthand experience.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Versatility in Daly’s Career
Conor Daly’s transition from a full-time race seat to reserve driver and commentator reflects the challenges and adaptability required in professional motorsport. Despite losing his main seat, Daly has managed to remain relevant through sponsorship ties, backup driving duties, and a growing presence in media. His ongoing involvement with prominent teams such as Juncos Hollinger Racing, Dreyer and Reinbold Racing, and his expanding role at FOX demonstrates his determination to stay active in IndyCar and related racing series.
As the 2026 IndyCar season approaches, Daly’s position as a reserve driver keeps him prepared for potential race opportunities, while his work in broadcasting and NASCAR spotting broadens his professional scope. These moves suggest a strategic shift that will allow him to maintain visibility and influence within the motorsports community, even amid uncertainties in his racing career.
