Conor Daly and Ed Carpenter Racing have decided with immediate effect to end their relationship after the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix.
The Noblesville, Indiana native finished 15th at Detroit in the No. 20 Chevrolet but both sides decided that it was within their best interests to part ways ahead of the Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America.
“This is the most difficult decision I have made as a team owner because I respect Conor and know what he means to INDYCAR and its fans,” said ECR team owner Ed Carpenter in a team release. “Our team has not been performing at the level we are capable of this year, and despite making technical changes and investments in the offseason, 2023 has been extremely challenging. I have put a great deal of consideration into the current state of our team and realize it is my obligation to our employees, partners, and supporters to do whatever is necessary to elevate our team’s competitiveness. We sincerely wish Conor continued success and will cheer him on wherever he goes next.”
Daly is currently 20th in IndyCar points with a best finish this season of eighth at the Indianapolis 500. Teammate Rinus VeeKay in the No.21 Chevrolet is currently 15th in points with a best finish of 10th at the Indianapolis 500.
“Although we’ve mutually decided that it’s in our best interests to take different paths, I’d like to thank ECR for the past three and a half seasons,” said Daly in a team release. “I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me – past, present and into the future. I look forward to taking on the next opportunities that await, and I want to thank the fans for being with me on this ride.”
ECR will announce a new driver for the No. 20 Chevrolet before the Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America. This does not affect the status of the No. 21 Chevrolet or the ovals-only program of the No. 33 Chevrolet.