Conor Daly Sets the Pace on Day 1 of Indy 500 Open Test
INDIANAPOLIS — Conor Daly, the Indiana native and veteran IndyCar driver, returned to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Tuesday with a statement. In his first time behind the wheel in 2026, Daly topped the speed charts on the opening day of the Indianapolis 500 Open Test, sending an early message about his ambitions for the 110th running of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The 34-year-old, piloting the No. 23 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR) Chevrolet, clocked a flying lap of 225.394 mph with less than 10 minutes remaining in the session, leveraging a tow to edge out the competition on the 2.5-mile oval.
Daly’s performance marks a strong start to his preparations for the May 24 race, where he will attempt to make his 13th start in the iconic event. His return to DRR, the team with which he finished 10th in the 2024 Indianapolis 500, underscores a partnership that has yielded consistent results at the famed speedway. With sponsorship from Kingspan, a global leader in high-performance building materials, Daly and his team are aiming for nothing short of victory in what he has called “the biggest race in the world.”
“Having a chance to move racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway again at the Indy 500 with DRR means the world to me,” Daly said in a March 11 press release announcing his return to the team. “I love this event. I can’t wait to receive back in the car, and I appreciate the chance that Dennis (Reinbold) and everyone at Dreyer & Reinbold Racing has given me to do the job I enjoy. We’ve set some high goals with the No. 23. We seek to win this race together.”
A Proven Performer at Indianapolis
Daly’s affinity for the Indianapolis 500 is well-documented. In 12 previous starts, he has recorded five top-10 finishes, including a 10th-place result in 2024 with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. That year, he qualified 29th but stormed through the field to finish in the top 10, leading 22 laps and gaining 19 positions—the biggest mover of the race. His total of 82 laps led at the Indianapolis 500 is a testament to his ability to navigate the unique challenges of the speedway, where strategy, patience, and raw speed all play critical roles.
Daly’s career in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES has been marked by resilience and versatility. Before joining the series full-time, he competed in GP3 from 2012 to 2013, finishing third in the series standings in 2013. He also captured the 2011 Indy NXT by Firestone race at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and won the 2010 Star Mazda series championship with seven victories. In the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Daly has one pole position (Iowa, 2020) and two podium finishes—a second-place result at Detroit in 2016 and a third-place finish at Milwaukee in 2024.
Despite his success, Daly entered 2026 without a full-time ride after competing for Juncos Hollinger Racing in 2025. His return to DRR for the Indianapolis 500, but, has reignited his focus on the race that means the most to him. “I’ll be back to chase the milk once again,” Daly wrote on social media following the March announcement, referencing the iconic bottle of milk awarded to the winner of the Indianapolis 500. “Really appreciate the effort all winter to give us another chance at the #indy500.”
The Open Test: A Critical Milestone
The Indianapolis 500 Open Test, held annually in late April, serves as a critical benchmark for teams and drivers as they prepare for the month of May. The test provides an opportunity to evaluate car setups, practice pit stops, and acclimate to the unique demands of the speedway, which features four distinct turns and a long front straightaway that allows for speeds exceeding 230 mph. For Daly and DRR, Tuesday’s session was about more than just speed—it was a chance to fine-tune their approach for the upcoming qualifying attempts and, the race itself.
Daly’s lap of 225.394 mph was not only the fastest of the day but also a reflection of his ability to capitalize on the aerodynamic tow created by drafting behind another car. In IndyCar racing, particularly at Indianapolis, the tow can add several miles per hour to a driver’s speed, making it a critical factor in both qualifying and race strategy. Daly’s ability to maximize this effect in the closing minutes of the session demonstrated his experience and adaptability at the speedway.
Even as the Open Test does not count toward official qualifying or race results, it offers valuable data for teams as they prepare for the “Fast Friday” practice session and the qualifying rounds that follow. For Daly, the test was also a chance to reacquaint himself with the DRR team and the No. 23 Chevrolet, which he last drove in the 2024 Indianapolis 500. His familiarity with the team and the car could prove to be a significant advantage as the month of May unfolds.
A Team with a Legacy
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, founded in 1999 by Dennis Reinbold and the late Mark Dreyer, has deep roots at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The team’s legacy dates back to the 1920s, when Reinbold’s grandfather, Floyd “Pop” Dreyer, served as a mechanic for the Duesenberg team. Over the years, DRR has turn into a staple of the Indianapolis 500, participating in 26 previous editions of the race. While the team has yet to secure a victory in the event, its consistent presence and competitive performances have earned it a reputation as a formidable underdog.
For the 2026 Indianapolis 500, DRR has partnered with Kingspan, a company with a global footprint that includes 29,000 employees across more than 80 countries. Kingspan’s sponsorship of the No. 23 entry highlights the company’s commitment to innovation and performance, values that align closely with Daly’s approach to racing. “We appreciate their support for this effort to chase after that nice cold glass of milk in the winner’s circle,” Daly said of Kingspan’s involvement.
What’s Next for Daly and DRR?
With the Open Test complete, Daly and the DRR team will turn their attention to the upcoming “Road to Indy 500” events, which include additional practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the annual Carb Day finale. The first official practice session for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 12, followed by qualifying on May 16 and 17. The race itself will take place on Sunday, May 24, presented by Gainbridge.
For Daly, the goal is clear: to add his name to the list of Indianapolis 500 winners and hoist the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy in Victory Lane. His performance on Tuesday suggests he is well on his way to being a contender. “We want to win this race together,” he said in March, and with the speed he showed in the Open Test, that goal feels within reach.
Key Takeaways
- Top Speed: Conor Daly set the fastest lap of the day at the Indianapolis 500 Open Test, clocking 225.394 mph in the No. 23 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Chevrolet.
- Experience at Indianapolis: Daly has five top-10 finishes in 12 previous starts at the Indianapolis 500, including a 10th-place result in 2024 with DRR.
- Team Legacy: Dreyer & Reinbold Racing has participated in 26 previous Indianapolis 500s and boasts a legacy dating back to the 1920s.
- Sponsorship: Kingspan, a global leader in high-performance building materials, is the primary sponsor of Daly’s No. 23 entry.
- Next Steps: The first official practice session for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 12, with qualifying rounds on May 16 and 17.
Join the Conversation
Conor Daly’s strong start to the 2026 Indianapolis 500 season has fans and analysts buzzing. Will he be able to carry this momentum into qualifying and the race? Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow World Today Journal’s Sports section for the latest updates on the Road to the Indianapolis 500.
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