Daly “pumped” for full-time return to IndyCar in his first-ever multi-year deal
While IndyCar’s 2026 season was wrapping up on-track at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the look ahead to 2027 continued, as multiple drivers secured their seat on the grid for next season and beyond. One of those was the long-awaited driver announcement from Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR), who confirmed Conor Daly’s return to IndyCar after a year away from full-time competition.
Daly’s full-time return to the series comes alongside DRR's full-time return, which was announced in July when they completed their first purchase of an IndyCar charter from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL).
Ever since that charter purchase, there was no denying that Daly would likely be a candidate for that seat, given his previous experience with the team and extensive IndyCar experience. That made it no surprise when he was announced on a multi-year contract to drive the No. 24 Honda, starting in 2027.
“I'm really pumped,” said Daly. “This is a huge deal for me. To have a multi-year deal is something I'm extremely grateful for. First time in my life. It's going to be fun.”
Daly sat out the entire 2026 season outside of the Indianapolis 500, after losing his ride with Juncos Hollinger Racing at the end of 2025, marking the first year since 2015 that he has not competed in multiple races.
Daly has also frequently documented the work he has done in trying to arrange sponsorship for IndyCar opportunities, being a driver who has not historically had substantial backing to bring to teams. It is something he has been quite candid about in his desire for a full-time ride as he knows the hardships of sitting on the sidelines.
“I mean, it's the greatest thing ever honestly,” said Daly on being able to look forward to next season throughout the off-season. “I've been through many winters where you don't sleep a lot, you don't know what's going to happen next, you don't know what's going to go on the next weekend.”
Despite not having a full-time ride this year, Daly already has had success with DRR, including at this year’s Indianapolis 500, where he qualified in an impressive eighth place and led four laps of the race.
In the press conference following Daly’s announcement, DRR President & CEO Brett De Bord explained why the team opted to sign Daly for 2027 and beyond.
“We hired Conor on his talent, and really his ability to win Indy 500s, races and championships, compete at the highest level. It was really an easy decision for us.”
Alongside Daly’s announcement, the team confirmed they will enter a new technical partnership with RLL, as they collaborate with the team that gave them a route back into the championship.
The team also confirmed a switch to Honda engines, having been powered by Chevrolet since 2012 at the Indianapolis 500. Daly has only driven a Honda-powered car for one full season in his career, but has expressed his excitement for the new chapter.
“The last season I did with Honda was my rookie year in 2016, which is absurd. I didn't know that. They've been nice to me when I've had to substitute for other drivers. Being part of that organisation is really cool.
“I've never really been in a position to develop a super loyalty to one manufacturer because I've driven for everybody, obviously.”
Neither Daly or the team have shied away from some of the challenges that they may face in 2027, but for Daly, there is still optimism that DRR have the capability to overcome them.
“Will it be challenging? 100%. This is not an easy sport to get into. We've seen that many times before. But the leadership that this group has and the culture that they've built already in the team is one of the most inspiring cultures that I've been around.
“Yeah, there's going to be some tough times. We're going to have a great time doing it, getting back into this whole full-time gig.”
Edited by Dan Jones
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