Conor Daly to run part-time IndyCar Series slate, Indy 500 for Ed Carpenter Racing

Conor Daly will pilot the No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet for the road and street IndyCar races in 2020.

Conor Daly will complete the No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing lineup during the 2020 season, driving the road and street course races alongside team owner Ed Carpenter on the ovals. Daly will also drive a third car during the month of May, culminating with the Indianapolis 500.

Daly will continue his relationship with the U.S. Air Force in his latest open-wheel endeavor.

“I am so thankful for the loyalty the U.S. Air Force has demonstrated along with the faith in me to get the job done,” Daly said. “This has been an incredible relationship to see grow and get stronger as we continue to add races to our program. I couldn’t be happier to be getting one more step closer to full-time Indy car competition.

“As an Indiana kid, it just feels right to be getting a chance with Ed Carpenter Racing,” Daly said. “This team has done such an incredible job over the years, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for Ed and this group. I look forward to entering a season feeling fully prepared with simulator time and testing for the first time in several years.”

Daly has earned a reputation as an underrated driver with minimal financial backing in recent years. He’s also been a popular substitute driver for teams in need of a last-minute driver capable of posting results.

Daly drove for three teams in 2019: Andretti Autosport, Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and Carlin. In all, five different teams have trusted Daly behind the wheel over the past two seasons.

The son of Formula 1 veteran Derek Daly, the second-generation racer pursued a career in Europe before moving back to the states and the IndyCar Series. He reached Formula 2 before making that decision.  

He raced full time in IndyCar in 2016 and 2017 for Dale Coyne Racing and AJ Foyt Racing with minimal success, albeit secondary efforts for the respective teams.

He earned a best finish in the Indianapolis 500 in 2019, scoring a 10th for Andretti in his sixth appearance in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.


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