For Conor Daly, the road to the 110th Indianapolis 500 has always been paved with a mixture of hometown pride and the relentless pursuit of a breakthrough. As the “hometown kid” from Noblesville, Indiana, Daly carries a unique weight of expectation every time he enters the Brickyard. However, during the initial practice sessions for the 2026 event, that pressure has been replaced by a palpable sense of confidence and raw speed.
The early data from the speedway suggests that Daly is currently operating at a peak level of performance. Driving the No. 23 DRR KINGSPAN Chevrolet for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Daly has not only matched the pace of the field but has set the benchmark for the week. His current trajectory marks a significant shift in momentum for a driver who has consistently fought for top-10 finishes in his 12 Indy 500 starts.
The narrative surrounding Daly’s current form is one of cautious optimism. While the driver is hesitant to overstate his position too early in the month of May, the telemetry and the timesheets tell a clear story: the 34-year-old has found a setup that allows him to challenge the very best in the world on one of the most demanding circuits in motorsport.
Breaking the 228 MPH Barrier
The standout moment of the early practice phase occurred on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, when Daly pushed the limits of the 2.5-mile oval. In a session characterized by nearly ideal weather conditions—with air temperatures hovering in the mid-60s and partly cloudy skies—Daly clocked the fastest lap of the week at 228.080 mph.
This blistering speed was achieved during the second day of practice for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Daly’s top lap was recorded while navigating thick traffic, utilizing an aerodynamic tow to maximize his velocity. Despite the assistance of the tow, the lap solidified his position as a primary contender for a front-row start.
Daly’s performance was not a one-off occurrence. On the opening day of practice, Tuesday, he was already among the elite, finishing third fastest with a lap of 225.838 mph. The consistency across the first two days of testing indicates that the Dreyer & Reinbold Racing team has arrived at the Speedway with a highly competitive “bullet” for the race.
Reflecting on the sensation of the car, Daly noted that the speed came naturally, stating, “Feeling great, but we weren’t even flat on that lap. The car feels pretty good. It’s going really well.” He also highlighted the intensity of the sessions, observing more side-by-side racing during practice than he had seen in a long time.
A Career-Best Setup
The psychological impact of having a fast car cannot be overstated in an event as mentally taxing as the Indy 500. Daly has been candid about the quality of his current equipment, admitting that the No. 23 Chevrolet is the most capable machine he has ever piloted at the Speedway. “I kind of hate to say it because I don’t really want to get too far ahead of myself, but this is the best car I’ve ever had here for sure,” Daly remarked. “I think I can confidently say that right now.”
Beyond the top-end speed, Daly has identified a critical advantage in the car’s handling, and agility. He described an unprecedented ability to navigate through the field, noting, “I can cut through traffic like I’ve never been able to before.” This ability to pass with ease is often the difference between a mid-pack finish and a podium contention in a 200-lap race where track position and traffic management are paramount.
However, the experienced driver remains grounded, acknowledging that the cool May temperatures have played a role in the car’s current efficiency. Daly expressed a desire to see the conditions warm up, suggesting that harder conditions will provide a more accurate test of the car’s true limits. “I want it to warm up and get a little bit harder on ourselves,” he explained, emphasizing a “one day at a time” approach.
The Challenge of Staying in ‘Race Shape’
One of the most intriguing aspects of Daly’s 2026 campaign is his unique schedule. Unlike many of his competitors who race throughout the full NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, the Indianapolis 500 is the only race on Daly’s current calendar. This creates a significant physiological and psychological challenge: maintaining “race shape” without the benefit of weekly competitive laps.
To combat the lack of seat time, Daly has focused heavily on his physical conditioning. He revealed that he increased his training intensity significantly during the offseason, specifically focusing on running to ensure his cardiovascular fitness could withstand the grueling physical demands of the 500-mile race. This preparation is essential, as the G-forces and heat of the cockpit can quickly fatigue a driver who is not in peak condition.
Daly’s history at the Speedway suggests he has the experience to convert this speed into a result. With a career-best finish of sixth in 2022 and five top-10 finishes across 12 starts, he is no stranger to the front of the pack. The combination of a career-best car and a rigorous fitness regimen puts him in a strong position to improve upon his previous milestones.
A High-Speed Competitive Landscape
While Daly currently leads the timesheets, he is facing a formidable field of champions and specialists. The second day of practice saw several other drivers flirting with the 228 mph mark, indicating that the 110th running may be one of the fastest in recent history.
Reigning “500” winner and NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou proved to be a close challenger, posting a speed of 228.026 mph in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, placing him second on Wednesday. Other notable performances included:
- David Malukas: Third fastest at 227.139 mph in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, showing a significant jump from his 10th-place position on Tuesday.
- Graham Rahal: Fourth fastest at 226.835 mph in the No. 15 United Rentals Honda, maintaining a trend of consistent speed throughout the week.
- Romain Grosjean: Fifth fastest at 226.591 mph in the No. 18 Bmax, carrying his Opening Day momentum into the second session.
The presence of multiple drivers over 227 mph suggests that the aerodynamic packages and engine mappings for the 2026 season are highly optimized for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s unique demands. For Daly, the goal is to maintain this edge as the teams move from general practice toward the high-stakes environment of qualifying.
Key Takeaways from Early Practice
- Top Speed: Conor Daly recorded the fastest lap of the week at 228.080 mph on May 13, 2026.
- Equipment: Daly is driving the No. 23 DRR KINGSPAN Chevrolet for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.
- Driver Confidence: Daly has explicitly stated this is the best car he has ever had for the Indy 500.
- Physical Prep: Due to a limited race schedule, Daly focused on an intense running program during the offseason to maintain race fitness.
- Field Depth: Alex Palou and David Malukas remain primary threats, with Palou also crossing the 228 mph threshold.
As the event progresses, the focus will shift from raw lap speed to race trim and qualifying precision. The ability to maintain 228 mph in a tow is a promising sign, but the true test will come when the drivers must find that speed on a solo qualifying run.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the event will be the continuation of practice sessions leading into the official qualifying rounds, where the grid for the 110th Indianapolis 500 will be determined. We will continue to monitor the timesheets to see if Daly can maintain his lead as the temperatures rise.
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