Veteran IndyCar driver Conor Daly publicly ended speculation about his future participation in the Chili Bowl Nationals, following comments made by NASCAR legend Tony Stewart at the Tulsa Expo Center. Daly responded on social media after a fan prompted the discussion in light of Stewart’s pointed remarks about IndyCar drivers’ willingness to enter the iconic midget racing event.
Tony Stewart, the Grand Marshall for this year’s Chili Bowl Nationals, was present at the Tulsa Expo Center for the 40th edition of the event, which is often called the “Super Bowl” of midget racing. Stewart, who also boasts three NASCAR Cup Series championships and an NHRA racing pedigree, was asked during a Monday press conference about active IndyCar Series drivers he believed could excel at the Chili Bowl.
Tony Stewart Doubts Most IndyCar Drivers’ Commitment
During his media appearance, Tony Stewart gave a candid assessment regarding the current IndyCar grid:
“On the IndyCar side, I just don’t know. Outside of Santino, I think Santino is the only one that has the balls to do it, or the passion to do it, at least.”
Stewart’s comments were soon amplified on social media platforms, stirring responses from fans and drivers alike. One fan suggested on X (formerly known as Twitter) that Conor Daly, alongside fellow IndyCar racers Katherine Legge and Ed Carpenter, would make interesting additions to the Chili Bowl lineup.
Conor Daly Declares a Definite End to Chili Bowl Appearances
Conor Daly didn’t hesitate to offer clarity on his position, replying directly to the fan’s suggestion on social media:
“No thanks. I’ve retired from the chili bowl. Lol happy to watch on tv.”
Daly’s straightforward response put an end to speculation about his participation in future events, signaling a close to his chapter at the Chili Bowl Nationals. Daly, a native of Indiana, made his first appearance at the Chili Bowl in 2019 and competed at the event three times, most recently in 2022. His involvement made him the last full-time IndyCar driver outside of Santino Ferrucci to race in the event.
A Look Back at Daly’s Chili Bowl Struggles
Daly’s history at the Chili Bowl includes a challenging but noteworthy debut, finishing seventh in his second K feature race in 2019. The following year saw improvements in his results but not in his satisfaction with performance, as Daly endured a tough experience in the 2020 event, finishing ninth in the H-Main but struggling with the car’s handling and unfamiliar chassis. He spoke candidly about his frustrations at the time:
“I’m trying my heart out and it’s just, you know, sometimes … This car, I have no idea why I spun. This is a different chassis than I drove in Arizona (in December). It’s a little bit different and as soon as I got into it, the steering system felt quite a lot different than what I’m used to. I had never spun in a Midget my whole short career. I spun three times this weekend and I have no idea why. Every single time it spins, I have no idea why it does that.”
The level of emotional turbulence Daly expressed reflected both the technical and personal difficulties he faced during his runs at the Tulsa Expo Center, a venue notorious for pushing even seasoned racers to their limits.
Other IndyCar Drivers Continue Chili Bowl Tradition
In the wake of Daly’s departure, Santino Ferrucci and Katherine Legge have carried the torch for IndyCar drivers at the Chili Bowl Nationals. Both drivers joined Abacus Racing for the most recent edition, keeping open wheels represented among the field of midget racers.
Tony Stewart’s own history at the event adds further context, as the 1997 IndyCar champion not only raced at the Chili Bowl but also won the event twice, in 2002 and 2007. His involvement, both past and present, underscores the significance of crossover talent between America’s top racing disciplines.
As the motorsports community looks ahead to the future of the Chili Bowl Nationals and the ongoing 2025 IndyCar season, Daly’s conclusive stand highlights the unique challenges faced by drivers who cross into different forms of racing. The decision puts a cap on Daly’s time at one of midget racing’s most prestigious stages, while suggesting that enthusiasm for cross-series participation now rests with a new generation of drivers.
No thanks. Ive retired from the chili bowl lol happy to watch on tv.
— Conor Daly (@ConorDaly22) January 13, 2026
