Conor Daly, driver for Juncos Hollinger Racing, recently addressed the ongoing criticism of short oval tracks in IndyCar while highlighting the strong performances of drivers and teams during the recent Iowa race weekend. Speaking on his SpeedStreet podcast, Daly praised the competitiveness and effort seen throughout the NTT <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/motorsports/indycar/indycar-series/”>IndyCar series event held from July 11 to 13.
The 33-year-old, piloting the #76 Chevrolet-powered car, noted that despite doubts about short oval racing producing less exciting action compared to other venues, the weekend demonstrated high-quality competition. He reflected on the skepticism before the races and how the drivers’ courage and strategy helped deliver rewarding racing moments on what is known as
“The fastest Short Track on the Planet.”
Conor Daly Highlights the Weekend Racing and Defends Short Ovals
On his podcast co-hosted with Chase Holden, Daly spoke candidly about the two races held over the weekend in the NTT IndyCar series. He acknowledged the negative views some fans and observers held before the event but emphasized the overall success and competitive spirit displayed.
“There was two races in the NTT IndyCar series that happened over the weekend…..And there was a lot of good racing honestly, to talk about…and I think a lot of people were negative nancies going into the race, fair, but as we’ve said multiple times on this program, don’t discount IndyCar short oval racing right now…IndyCar deserves praise. I think the series, the technical officials, leadership, I think you know, a lot of people were complaining going into the weekend.” —Conor Daly, Driver
Daly also mentioned how the initial stages of the races may not have delivered peak excitement but noted that as the events progressed, drivers took more risks and improved the overall on-track action.
“Even at the test I would say that we were unsure, but I think it ended up being two solid races. Not the best races, like the first stint race 1, when we weren’t really sure yet what was really gonna happen yet. Were we gonna save fuel maybe that wasn’t the most exciting, but then it got better, and the drivers got more brave, and we took it into our own hands, I believe, and we made it happen,” —Conor Daly, Driver
At the Iowa races, Daly performed well, starting on the front row alongside Josef Newgarden in the Synk 275 event and finishing seventh. In the subsequent Farm to Finish 275 race, he qualified seventh but concluded the race in 16th position.
Recalling Daly’s Intense Competition with Pato O’Ward at WWTR
Earlier, on June 16 at World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR), Conor Daly engaged in a memorable battle with Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward. Starting from 15th on the grid, Daly advanced steadily, even leading the race at one point, before facing off against O’Ward in several tight exchanges for the lead.
During a post-race interview with Frontstretch, Daly discussed the dynamic on-track rivalry and how pit strategies affected their chances for victory.
“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, Driver
He also praised O’Ward’s driving skills and sportsmanship, acknowledging why the young competitor commands respect in the paddock.
“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, Driver
Currently, Daly holds the 18th position in the drivers’ championship standings with 184 points accumulated this season. His consistent performances on both short ovals and other track types continue to underline his value within Juncos Hollinger Racing and the broader IndyCar series.
Implications for IndyCar and Short Oval Racing
Conor Daly’s comments come at a time when the future of short oval racing in IndyCar is often debated by fans and analysts. His defense of these tracks and recognition of drivers’ efforts highlights an emerging appreciation for the unique challenges short ovals present. With technical officials and team leadership supporting these events, short ovals remain a crucial and competitive part of the NTT IndyCar schedule.
The strong showings by drivers like Daly and Newgarden on such tracks may help sway public opinion and encourage further investment in these venues. As the season progresses, how teams adapt their strategies and how drivers embrace the distinct risks of short oval racing will be key to maintaining both excitement and safety in the series.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Conor Daly diabetic?
A. For Conor Daly, a 33-year-old, racing is just a normal part of his life. He’s a race car driver from Indiana who started racing soon after getting his license. He has also managed type 1 diabetes since he was 14. Daly is recognized as the only professional race car driver with diabetes.