Conor Daly was given a chance to show he is still capable of competing in IndyCar in 2024 as he joined Juncos Hollinger Racing for the final five races of the year.
Daly raced in the Indianapolis 500 with DRR-Cusick Motorsports where he finished 10th and got another one-off appearance with Dale Coyne Racing at the second race in Iowa, where he was classified 27th after retiring from the event.
Following the sacking of Agustin Canapino, Daly was drafted in to replace the Argentine for the remainder of the season in the No. 78 car with Juncos Hollinger Racing.
The 32-year-old finished 13th on debut at Gateway before finishing 22nd in Portland. At the first race at the Milwaukee Mile, the American secured JHR’s first podium with third place, securing Daly’s first IndyCar podium in eight years.
After retiring from the second race in Milwaukee, Daly finished 10th in the season finale at the Music City Grand Prix. In what has been a season of limited appearances in any racing category, Daly shared how the result ‘feels good’ as he closes the year with a top 10 finish.
Conor Daly admits he is ‘entirely unemployed’ after 2024 IndyCar season
Apart from his seven appearances in IndyCar this season, Daly also competed in the TSport 200 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, finishing 29th.
READ MORE: Alex Palou shares what his next IndyCar ‘goal’ is after winning third championship
Speaking on a gaming live stream on his YouTube channel, Daly revealed that he is set to return to the Truck Series at the races in Kansas and Homestead, and will also participate in the Indianapolis Eight Hour endurance race in the Intercontinental GT Challenge.
However, the American admitted that is all he has currently on his racing calendar, as he does not currently have a seat in IndyCar for 2025.
When asked if he had a seat for next year, Daly replied: “I wish it was just that simple.
“No, I do not, I am currently entirely unemployed, except for the Truck race that I am doing next week in Kansas, the Truck race at Homestead, and then yeah, the Eight Hours [of Indianapolis].
“So, yeah that’s what I got. I am going to work my butt off in every possible way to be on the grid next year because I want that really badly.”
READ MORE: Mike Shank shares exactly how much Felix Rosenqvist improved during the 2024 IndyCar season
Conor Daly is desperate to find an IndyCar seat for 2025
While he may have only competed in just seven races, Daly proved that he is capable of producing results with his podium at Milwaukee.
The reality is that Daly’s future in the series is bleak, with most of the seats at top teams already filled, leaving him with limited options in the series for 2025.
New outfit PREMA Racing have confirmed Callum Illot as one of their two drivers for next season, with Robert Schwartzman rumoured to be the second name to race for the Italian outfit in their debut season.
Daly still has the ability to perform, particularly with teams further down the order, and the American will be hoping that his 2024 performances will be enough to secure a spot on the IndyCar grid for 2025.