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Conor Daly recently tackled an intense week, participating in three different races with three distinct types of vehicles: an IndyCar, a NASCAR truck, and a NASCAR Xfinity Series car. This feat is particularly impressive for a driver without a full-time racing contract.
The 32-year-old Daly, son of former Formula One driver Derek Daly and stepson of Indianapolis Motor Speedway chairman Doug Boles, has a storied career with 110 IndyCar starts, though he has only competed in two IndyCar races this year. He finished 10th in the Indianapolis 500 and 27th in Iowa, stepping in for the injured Jack Harvey.
Daly’s foray into NASCAR includes 10 national series starts. Recently, he raced for Niece Motorsports in the truck series at Indianapolis Raceway Park (finishing 29th) and for Sam Hunt Racing in the Xfinity Series at IMS (finishing 14th).
In an exclusive interview with FOX Sports, Daly shared insights on his busy week, his podcast “Speed Street” on Dirty Mo Media, and his aspirations for a full-time racing career.
A Week of Varied Racing Experiences
Reflecting on his hectic schedule, Daly remarked, “This was my most varied week of driving. The IndyCar opportunity was very last minute, but I love driving. It’s a huge learning experience for me, racing on different tracks with different vehicles. It’s a different art form.”
Comparing IndyCar and NASCAR
When asked about the differences between racing an IndyCar and an Xfinity car, Daly explained, “IndyCars are very stiff and low to the ground, offering a sharp motion. Xfinity cars, on the other hand, have more roll and motion. Smoothness is key in both, but they require different skill sets.”
Pursuing Full-Time Opportunities
Despite his success, Daly continues to seek a full-time racing opportunity. “I’m a full-time podcaster and a part-time race car driver. I’d love to be both full-time. It’s a tough sport with financial and opportunity challenges. I’m not stepping away from IndyCar, but NASCAR is very exciting with positive momentum. My goal is to be a full-time race car driver.”
The Podcast and Its Impact
Daly’s podcast, “Speed Street,” has broadened his audience and bridged the gap between IndyCar and NASCAR fans. “Dale Jr. and Dirty Mo Media have been incredibly supportive. We aim to get more people interested in motorsports. The feedback from NASCAR fans who started watching IndyCar because of the podcast is very rewarding.”
Financial Realities in Racing
Daly is known for his candid discussions about IndyCar finances on his podcast. “No owners have asked me to stop, but I’m sure they’re not thrilled. I believe in being honest with fans about the realities of the sport. Understanding the financial aspect can deepen their engagement.”
Reflecting on Recent Races
Daly shared his mixed experiences from recent races. “Racing in the truck series was fun until mechanical issues arose. In IndyCar, we were in a good position before the car broke down. Motorsport is tough, and sometimes things happen that are out of your control.”
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Daly remains focused on finding a full-time racing opportunity. “I’m passionate about racing and want to prove myself. Whether it’s in IndyCar or NASCAR, I’m committed to pursuing my dream.”
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