Daly gets final ECR seat for 2020 IndyCar season

Ed Carpenter Racing has announced Conor Daly will complete its line-up for the 2020 IndyCar season, acting as the team’s road and street course driver.

Daly, who split a part-time 2019 campaign driving for Andretti Autosport, Carlin and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and has not raced a full season since being at AJ Foyt Racing in 2017, will race in all but four rounds on the 2020 calendar.

The 27-year-old will partner new signing and Indy Lights runner-up Rinus Veekay for all events barring the oval races Ed Carpenter will contest, while all three drivers will compete at this year’s Indianapolis 500 in a three-car ECR entry.

“I am so thankful for the loyalty the U.S. Air Force has demonstrated along with the faith in me to get the job done,” Daly said.

“This has been an incredible relationship to see grow and get stronger as we continue to add races to our program. I couldn’t be happier to be getting one more step closer to full time Indy car competition.

“As an Indiana kid, it just feels right to be getting a chance with Ed Carpenter Racing. This team has done such an incredible job over the years and I have a tremendous amount of respect for Ed and this group.

“I look forward to entering a season feeling fully prepared with simulator time and testing for the first time in several years.”

Ex-Renault Formula 1 driver Nico Hulkenberg had been linked with a seat at ECR but the arrival of Veekay as Spencer Pigot’s replacement quelled such a move prior to Daly’s signing.

“I am extremely proud and excited to welcome Conor Daly and the U.S. Air Force to Ed Carpenter Racing,” Carpenter added.

I have seen Conor grow and mature over the course of his career and am confident that his best years are yet to come.

“It is a huge honor to represent the men and women who serve in the U.S. Air Force and we hope to make them proud this season.”