Conor Daly has been appointed as the reserve driver for Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) for the 2026 IndyCar season, following the loss of his full-time seat to Rinus Veekay after the 2025 campaign. The 34-year-old racer from Noblesville, Indiana, has remained connected to IndyCar despite unsuccessful attempts to secure a primary racing role for the current year.
Daly engaged in discussions with Dale Coyne Racing and AJ Foyt Racing, but each team decided to pursue alternative options for their driver lineups. Despite this, Daly’s relationship with JHR continues as he transitions into a backup role, supported by his ongoing partnership with key sponsors ampm and ARCO.
This season, those sponsors, originally brought to the team by Daly, will instead appear on the cars driven by Rinus Veekay and Sting Ray Robb. Daly addressed this development on his Speed Street podcast, emphasizing that these sponsors remain closely aligned with his efforts even as they back other JHR drivers.
“ampm and ARCO, we have decided to work with JHR, who I was with obviously, last year and the year before, a little bit. So they’ll be on the cars I am not racing, that is Sting Ray and Rinus, for several primaries. I’m not gonna lie, it makes me feel a little queasy. However, after talking with everyone at ampm and ARCO, who I’m very proud to represent and will continue to be a brand representative for them in anything I do really in this year. Their support has means the world to me, and they have continued to stay faithful to me.”
Daly clarified that the transition of sponsorship support to other drivers was conducted with his full consent, insisting that no sponsors were taken without his agreement.
“I don’t want anyone to get mad. This isn’t like a sponsor stealing – this isn’t a team stealing a sponsor from me. I’m still involved as a reserve driver and working with the team at JHR in a reserve driver – it doesn’t really mean anything, honestly, but it is a title to be within the team. Obviously, if something happens, I am gonna be hopefully the one called upon. I don’t know if that’s a guarantee, but gosh, I hope so,”
This arrangement does not restrict Daly from accepting racing opportunities with other IndyCar teams during the season. He remains a candidate for a drive in the 2025 Indy 500 with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing, maintaining hope for competitive involvement despite his reserve status.
New Broadcasting and NASCAR Roles Add to Daly’s 2025 Season
In addition to his reserve driver role, Daly has expanded his presence in motorsports through broadcast and NASCAR-related activities. On his podcast, he announced plans to work as a spotter for a NASCAR Truck Series race held at St. Petersburg, Florida. He may be spotting for James Hinchcliffe, the former IndyCar driver and FOX analyst making his debut in the Truck Series, or another driver who remains unnamed.
“I’m gonna spot at the Truck race,” said Daly. “I actually don’t know who I’m going to spot for yet – I’ve said I’m going to try and spot for Hinch, but I haven’t heard back on how that’s gonna happen yet. But I’ve got an offer from another driver to spot for him too. So we’ll see, I’m going to do some sort of spotting.”
Alongside this NASCAR opportunity, Daly has secured a commentator position with FOX as part of the broadcast team covering the Indy NXT series. He will work alongside Kevin Lee and Jack Harvey, marking a notable expansion of his post-driving career in front of the camera.
“I’m actually going to commentate for the Indy NXT series. I don’t know how that’s gonna go, but apparently I’m going to commentate for FOX. Shoutout FOX for wanting me to do this. Just from out of the kindness of my heart, just going to try, and I appreciate them for letting me do that. That hasn’t really been officially announced anywhere,”
Daly’s broadcast role with FOX follows his participation as an IndyCar presenter during the Unser IndyCar Open Test at Phoenix in February. His performance received praise from fans who appreciated his informed questions and genuine driver perspective.
Implications of Daly’s Dual Roles in Racing and Broadcasting
Conor Daly’s appointment as reserve driver and broadcaster this year showcases his versatility and resilience within the motorsports industry. While missing a full-time driving seat creates uncertainty, his ongoing sponsorship relationships and media engagements maintain his visibility and influence in the sport.
The continued backing by ampm and ARCO, and his commitment to Juncos Hollinger Racing, position Daly as a valuable asset should unforeseen circumstances arise during the IndyCar season. Simultaneously, his expanding broadcasting credentials with FOX open additional career avenues as he gains experience in commentary and spotting.
Looking ahead, Daly’s involvement in spotting for NASCAR and commentating on Indy NXT events reflects a strategic effort to remain actively engaged in racing circles. This multidimensional approach may enhance his opportunities to return to a full-time seat or further develop a parallel career in motorsports media.
