Next weekend the Kansas Speedway will host a new chapter in the career of veteran IndyCar driver Conor Daly. He is slated to line up in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series behind the wheel of Kaulig Racing’s No. 25 RAM 1500. The outing marks Daly’s eighth start in the Truck Series
Conor Daly’s Kansas Speedway challenge
When Daly took the truck to Indianapolis Road Course earlier this summer, he qualified 29th and brought the machine home in 26th place. The IRP effort served as a rehearsal for the very different demands of the Kansas oval, a circuit Daly himself described as “a completely different animal.” He explained, “Indianapolis was all about momentum and tight-quarters racing, but Kansas is fast, aerodynamic-dependent and wide open — you really have to nail your setup and trust the truck through those long corners.” The quote underscores the shift from the street-circuit rhythm of IndyCar to the high-speed, drafting-heavy environment that defines Kansas.
Kaulig Racing’s rotating No. 25 truck
Kaulig Racing has treated the No. 25 entry as a free-agent seat this year, inviting a parade of celebrated drivers to take the wheel. Names that have piloted the RAM include Tony StewartTravis PastranaClint BowyerJamie McMurrayTy DillonColin BraunRyan NewmanAJ AllmendingerCorey LaJoieParker KligermanElliott SadlerCarson Ferguson and Regan Smith. The truck’s most impressive finish came at Watkins Glen where Allmendinger drove it to a sixth-place result – the best placement for the team’s five-truck fleet this season. Daly now joins that distinguished roster, hoping to add his own high-finish to the lineage.
Expanded NASCAR résumé and future plans
Beyond the Truck Series, Daly has accumulated three starts each in the NASCAR Cup Series and the former O’Reilly (now Xfinity) Series, demonstrating a willingness to explore stock-car disciplines. He also earned a start in the iconic 2023 Daytona 500 finishing 29th after surviving the demanding 500-mile grind. These forays complement his primary identity as an open-wheel racer, a duality that his team highlights as a competitive advantage on a track that rewards both speed and adaptability.
IndyCar pedigree and 2027 full-time comeback
While the NASCAR venture garners headlines, Daly’s reputation was forged on the IndyCar circuit. In the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 this year, he ran in the front for four laps and ultimately finished 12th – his highest result of the season. Over his 133-race IndyCar career, Daly has recorded two podium finishes and captured a single pole position, with a best race finish of sixth at the historic 500. Looking ahead, the driver has confirmed a return to full-time IndyCar competition in 2027 with Dreyer & Reinbold. “I had an absolute blast racing for Kaulig Racing and Ram at Indianapolis,” Daly remarked, adding, “The team welcomed me with open arms, the truck was competitive, and getting to race in front of my hometown fans made it a special night. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to keep the momentum going at Kansas.” The upcoming Kansas event therefore serves as both a showcase of his versatile skill set and a stepping stone toward his next full-time open-wheel campaign.
