rewrite this title “I’m very thankful” – Conor Daly looks back on chaotic offseason post contract renewal with JHR Racing

Conor Daly announced his contract with Juncos Hollinger Racing for the 2025 IndyCar season. The 33-year-old had been struggling to secure a full-time sponsorship deal with his partners during the off-season. As Daly announced his contract, he came out and looked back at the chaotic offseason.

Daly took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts about his drive for the upcoming IndyCar season with JHR. He wrote:

“What a ride this off season has been. I’m very thankful for the chance to finally come back and compete full time in the @IndyCar series! I love this @juncoshollinger team and together I believe we can achieve so much! Can’t wait to get back to work in 2025! @TeamChevy #indycar”

Conor Daly’s last full-time IndyCar season was with Ed Carpenter Racing in 2022. He drove part-time during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The 33-year-old secured the Dreyer and Reinbold Racing Indy 500 drive for 2024. Daly was then given the opportunity to replace Agustin Canapino at JHR midway through the 2024 IndyCar season.

The American’s best result during the 2024 drive for JHR was the podium finish at the first race at Milwaukee Mile. JHR earlier announced Sting Ray Robb’s signing with the team for the 2025 IndyCar season as he will be partnering with Daly. JHR owner Ricardo Juncos spoke highly of the 33-year-old. Juncos said, (via IndyCar)

“When Conor rejoined us last year, it felt like we seamlessly picked up right where we left off in 2010. I’m thrilled to have him back in the car full-time for 2025. With both seats now filled, the team is laser-focused on building momentum and delivering standout performances throughout the year, aiming for an exceptional season ahead for Juncos Hollinger Racing.”

Daly previously drove for Ricardo Juncos’ team in the Star Mazda championship for the 2010 season and was the championship winner that year.

“One of the most difficult offseasons” – Conor Daly detailed the struggles of securing a sponsorship

Conor Daly reportedly asked for a $7.5 million sponsorship from his sponsor Polkadot, a blockchain technology community. However, his appeal was rejected. The American has now requested $3M from his sponsors. The lack of sponsorship money put Daly in a fix. The JHR driver said, (via IndyStar)

“One of the most difficult offseasons I’ve ever gone through, and I’ve been through a lot. Last year, I pretty much knew all I’d have was the 500 (with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing). This one, I literally feel like I’m either in or so dead. I’ll have no forms of income, and I have no idea what’s going on, and it’s just frustrating.”

Daly’s signing was the final piece of the puzzle for JHR’s 2025 season as they had already announced the signing of Sting Ray Robb as the other driver and former F1 engineer David Brown as their technical director.

Edited by Eeshaan Tiwary