Conor Daly applauded Pato O’Ward‘s skill following an intense contest for the lead during the IndyCar race at World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) on the weekend. The fierce competition between Daly and O’Ward, two of the series’ standout drivers, highlighted their abilities in a gripping display of racing talent.
Strong Performance from a Challenging Start at WWTR
Starting from 15th place due to disappointing qualifying results, Conor Daly quickly impressed in the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at WWTR. Despite the poor grid position, Daly surged through the field, reaching the top five within the first quarter of the race, demonstrating both skill and car pace.
About halfway through the event, a crash involving Josef Newgarden in the #2 Team Penske Chevrolet brought out a caution. During the ensuing pit stops, Daly and Pato O’Ward, who were positioned fourth and fifth before pitting, executed strong stops that elevated them to first and second place respectively behind the safety car.
Head-to-Head Battle for the Lead at the Restart
When the race resumed on Lap 150, the two competitors engaged in a close battle for the lead, with Daly using the higher line around the oval while O’Ward defended his position on the inside. This intense duel continued for nearly five laps, showcasing their determination and racecraft.
On Lap 154, Daly managed to overtake O’Ward and maintained the lead for several laps. The pair remained first and second for a major portion of the race, putting on a competitive show until Daly opted for an earlier pit stop on Lap 190. Despite Daly leading for much of the race, this earlier stop and the difficulties during the pit cycles contributed to him losing ground later.
Conor Daly Reflects on the Rivalry With Pato O’Ward
In post-race interviews, Daly expressed respect for O’Ward’s professionalism and driving skill throughout their battle. He noted:
“We just kept working, every restart, moving forward. Battling with Pato felt really good for the lead. Thought we had a shot at it honestly but the last two pit stops really hurt us.” —Conor Daly, Juncos Hollinger Racing Driver
“He raced me clean. There’s a reason that guy has got a plane and a bunch of money and he’s one of the best drivers right now. He’s really good, raced me clean and I gotta respect that.” —Conor Daly, Juncos Hollinger Racing Driver
Daly’s reference to O’Ward’s financial backing alludes to the revelations about the Mexican driver’s salary that surfaced during McLaren’s lawsuit against fellow competitor Alex Palou.
Pit Stop Challenges That Affected Daly’s Victory Hope
Daly’s race strategy was hampered by earlier-than-optimal pit stops during the final stages, particularly his penultimate stop on Lap 190, which came slightly ahead of other leaders. This earlier stop, combined with a sluggish pit cycle and tire degradation in the closing laps, compromised Daly’s pace and race-winning opportunity.
Speaking about his car’s performance and the setbacks during the pit cycle, Daly stated:
“We were better than he was for sure. Our car was better.” —Conor Daly, Juncos Hollinger Racing Driver
“We just lost too much in the pit cycle. It seemed to just fall off a little bit more (last stint).” —Conor Daly, Juncos Hollinger Racing Driver
Ultimately, Daly completed the race in sixth place, while Pato O’Ward secured a podium finish behind race winner Kyle Kirkwood, highlighting O’Ward’s consistent competitiveness for the season.
Implications of the WWTR Race and What Lies Ahead
The intense battle between Daly and O’Ward at WWTR showcased the high level of talent in the IndyCar series and the strategic importance of pit stops in oval racing. Daly’s comments underline that, while raw speed was on his side, race execution details like pit timing and tire management crucially impacted the final result.
This event also reinforced Pato O’Ward’s reputation as one of the leading drivers this season, supported by his ability to race cleanly and consistently challenge for wins despite strong competition. Moving forward, both drivers are expected to leverage this experience as the IndyCar championship progresses, with pit strategy and racecraft playing vital roles in their quest for victories.
