Ed Carpenter Racing has announced that Conor Daly will continue to drive for team on the road and street courses during the 2021 IndyCar season.
As was the case last season, Daly will share his ride with team owner Ed Carpenter, who will once again get behind the wheel for the four oval events of the year.
The third member of the team, and last season’s rookie of the year Rinus Veekay, was previously confirmed with the team and will be running the entirety of the season alongside Daly and Carpenter in the #21 entry.
“It feels incredible to have another year together with the U.S. Air Force and Ed Carpenter Racing,” said Daly.
“Continuity has always been helpful for me in my career; the fact that we are able to hit the ground running in 2021 already having experience together gives me a lot of confidence.
“Every day we learn more and develop a stronger relationship. I want nothing more than to win races and compete for the entrant championship for the Airmen, the guys at ECR and my boss Ed, who has become a true friend of mine.
“I can’t wait to get back to work!”
In addition to the 13 road courses, Daly will also race in the Indianapolis 500, where ECR will field a third entry to allow him to compete alongside Carpenter in the famous race.
For most of his races, Daly will have the US Air Force returning as his main sponsor, a relationship that originated four years ago and has grown into a major sponsorship for the team.
The 2021 season will be ECR’s tenth season competing in IndyCar after Carpenter founded the team in 2012.
“It is a very exciting day to be able to announce the return of both the U.S. Air Force and Conor to Ed Carpenter Racing,” said Carpenter.
“We are looking forward to the 2021 NTT IndyCar series, having the same driver lineup to continue our progression back to a race-winning and championship-contending organization.”
Last season Daly was on track for all the races on the calendar, driving for Carlin on the ovals. He turned in some good performances with his second team, landing his and the team’s first IndyCar pole position in Iowa.
A similar deal has not been announced at this time, but considering he was able to get four top-ten finishes on the ovals last season, Daly will likely be looking for a way to get on track for the ovals in 2021 as well.
The first race of the season will be back where last season ended with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 7.
