Conor Daly will return to IndyCar in a full-time capacity for the first time in over a year at the Grand Prix of Portland – the last street race of the season.
The American driver and one-time IndyCar pole-sitter has penned a deal to Daly will replace Agustin Canapino at Juncos Hollinger Racing for the remaining five races of the season.
He will partner single-seater veteran Romain Grosjean, who is currently in his first season with the Argentine-American team.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Daly admitted something Grosjean did during a recent test left him very impressed.
Conor Daly impressed with new IndyCar Juncos Hollinger teammate Romain Grosjean
Their best result of the season was a fourth-place secured by Grosjean at the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey.
Canapino was sent on a leave of absence in June after an incident between himself and Theo Pourchaire at the Detroit Grand Prix led to threats and abuse from fans online.
He was replaced by Nolan Siegel at Road America before returning to the car for the following five events, before being fully relieved of his duties on August 7.
Conor Daly, a man who has history with Ricardo Juncos – the team’s owner, having handed him an opportunity to race in his younger days, will step up to replace Canapino.
After working alongside new teammate Romain Grosjean, he has been impressed by the Frenchman’s communication.
“He’s had a lot of top tens Grosjean has. When we were at the test working together, [there was] just great communication. A lot of people have a lot of opinions about Grosjean,” he said.
“I don’t see it, I understand why. Everyone can have their opinions too. There’s some wild internet chatter.”
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Can Daly and Grosjean help improve Juncos Hollinger’s IndyCar fortunes?
With five races of the season to go, all coming within the next month, points will fly off the shelves thick and fast.
Grosjean currently sits 16th in the drivers’ championship, and will be hoping to find a few more good results, lifting himself beyond his previous IndyCar season of 13th achieved last year.
For Conor Daly, it may be more about laying a claim forward for one of the two available seats at the team for next season.
His experience and speed could be a great match for the team, as they look to extract more from their car and make a stronger push up the IndyCar field.
It’s important to bare in mind that his teammate is also yet to secure a drive for next season, and in striking a good rapport together, may boost their chances of being in the number 77 and 78 cars in 2025.