As the NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval for the first time since the 2019 season, a hometown hero and familiar name in Indianapolis 500 lure will compete in the event. Conor Daly will pilot the No. 26 Toyota GR Supra for Sam Hunt Racing in the Pennzoil 250 at the Brickyard.
Daly’s car will feature the pink, purple, and white colors of Polkadot, a core of Web3 for developers. The race on July 20 will mark Daly’s third career start in the NASCAR Xfinity Series ranks. The Sam Hunt Racing team revealed Daly’s paint scheme in the announcement as well.
The 32-year-old is excited to compete in another style of race car around the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I am extremely thankful for the chance to bring Polkadot back to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this time with Sam Hunt Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series,” said Daly in a press release. “When I heard the NASCAR Xfinity Series was returning to the oval at Indianapolis, I knew I had to be part of it. Driving for Polkadot at my home track in front of my hometown fans is an incredible honor and an opportunity I could not let pass. I know an opportunity to drive for Toyota and SHR is extremely special, and I look forward to taking on this learning experience and delivering for this group as best I can. I am proud and lucky to represent Polkadot at IMS in both the Indy 500 and the NASCAR Brickyard weekend in the same year.”
The native of Noblesville, Indiana finished 10th in the Indianapolis 500 back in May driving for Freyer & Reinbold Racing.
For the Sam Hunt Racing team, having a crossover star like Daly behind the wheel of their race car is an honor.
“It’s always extremely exciting for me to have drivers cross over into NASCAR from other professional genres of motorsports,” said Sam Hunt, Owner of Sam Hunt Racing. “Conor is a journeyman racer, a hometown favorite at Indianapolis, and a guy who understands how the sport works from top to bottom. For us to be able to provide him with a competitive opportunity in the NASCAR Xfinity Series is a pleasure, and one I know everyone is excited about.
“The challenge will be tall, and there is so much to learn in such a short amount of time – but Conor and the team at Sam Hunt Racing are excited to tackle it with open minds at full speed. We’re all grateful to have Polkadot on board for a special weekend and look forward to introducing another great brand to the Sam Hunt Racing family.”
Polkadot isn’t just a primary sponsorship partner for Daly, he is a brand ambassador for the community. Polkadot is elated to join him on the journey to Indianapolis once again, this time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
“The Polkadot community is thrilled to continue this groundbreaking journey with Conor—the first time a major sports sponsorship was decided via a community-driven on-chain vote using blockchain technology,” Chris Wade, a Polkadot Community member who championed the partnership commented. “We extend a heartfelt thanks to Sam Hunt Racing for providing this incredible opportunity, which brings remarkable exposure to the Polkadot network through the prestigious NASCAR Xfinity Series. We are also grateful to Athelo Group and Conor for collaborating with Sam and his team to make this extraordinary opportunity a reality for Polkadot.”
In six career NASCAR National Series starts, Daly has a best finish of 18th, which he has achieved twice in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series while driving for Niece Motorsports. Daly has run three NASCAR Cup Series, two NASCAR Xfinity Series, and three NASCAR Truck Series races to date.
