In a move that cements his determination and perseverance, Conor Daly has secured one of the last full-time seats for the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season, joining Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR). Daly, known for his grit both on and off the track, replaces Romain Grosjean in the No. 78 Chevy and partners with Sting Ray Robb for the upcoming campaign.
This marks a pivotal moment in Daly’s career, marking his second major comeback to full-time competition after a turbulent few years of part-time stints and relentless efforts to secure funding.
A Career of Ups and Downs Finds Stability
For Daly, the journey to JHR has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After a full-time run with Dale Coyne Racing from 2016 to 2017, Daly found himself bouncing between part-time opportunities from 2018 to 2019. A resurgence came with Carlin Racing and Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR), where he raced full-time from 2020 to 2022—only to be dropped by ECR mid-season in 2023.
Undeterred, Daly clawed his way back into the paddock, taking over JHR’s No. 78 seat late in 2024 as a replacement for Agustin Canapino. His performance there, coupled with tireless work behind the scenes to secure sponsorship, has now culminated in a full-season drive for 2025.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the JHR team for the full NTT IndyCar Series season in 2025,” Daly said in a statement. “After the excitement and success we shared in 2024, including Milwaukee, it feels like the perfect next step. I’m grateful for Ricardo [Juncos] and Brad [Hollinger]’s belief in me as I embark on the revitalization of my career.”
JHR’s Vision for the Future
Team co-owners Ricardo Juncos and Brad Hollinger are equally optimistic about Daly’s role in their program. Hollinger praised Daly’s resilience and experience:
“Conor is an outstanding addition to our team. He has proven his speed not only in our car but throughout his career. With more time to collaborate with our engineers and crew, he’ll enhance our team’s performance and push us closer to the front.”
JHR, entering its fourth season in IndyCar, is using Daly’s signing as a cornerstone in its long-term strategy. Team principal Dave O’Neill emphasized the focus on growth:
“This is just the beginning of a long-term process to build a stronger and more competitive foundation. With Conor and Sting Ray Robb, we’re in a great position to take that next step.”
From Questioning His Future to Securing His Place
Daly’s road back to full-time IndyCar competition wasn’t without moments of doubt. By his own admission, he questioned whether his time in the series had run its course. But his unyielding determination to prove his worth has made his return a beacon of inspiration for drivers fighting to stay on the grid.
“Conor’s story is one of perseverance,” said O’Neill. “He’s shown that belief in your abilities and hard work can create new opportunities, even when the odds seem stacked against you.”
IndyCar’s 2025 Grid Takes Shape
With Daly’s signing, 25 drivers are now confirmed for the 2025 IndyCar season. The only open slots remain with Dale Coyne Racing, leaving just two unclaimed entries before the season kicks off.
For Daly, this opportunity is more than just a return; it’s a chance to solidify his legacy as one of IndyCar’s most resilient drivers and to push JHR to new heights in their competitive evolution.
