Ed Carpenter Racing has announced that it has parted ways with its driver Conor Daly with immediate effect.
Daly has been paired with the team since 2020, when he joined on as a part time driver in the #20 entry.
Through a fortunate meeting in Las Vegas, Daly landed a consistent sponsorship deal with BitNile, and was able to turn his relationship with ECR into a full time ride.
That deal extended through the end of the current season, but has now been cut short.
“Although we’ve mutually decided that it’s in our best interests to take different paths, I’d like to thank ECR for the past three and a half seasons,” said Daly.
“I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me – past, present and into the future. I look forward to taking on the next opportunities that await, and I want to thank the fans for being with me on this ride.”
Daly had said prior to the Indy 500 that he was willing to take his loyal sponsor Todd Ault with him to a new team, but it was assumed at the time that was in reference to an upcoming team change at the end of the season.
Now he is without a confirmed ride with 10 races left in the season, and it is unknown if he will be able to bring his sponsor with him if he finds a new ride before the year is out.
Daly’s best finish with ECR was a fifth place result at the GMR Grand Prix last season, and he earned his best 2023 result at the Indy 500 when he finished eighth.
“This is the most difficult decision I have made as a team owner because I respect Conor and know what he means to IndyCar and its fans,” said Carpenter in the release.
“Our team has not been performing at the level we are capable of this year, and despite making technical changes and investments in the offseason, 2023 has been extremely challenging.
“I have put a great deal of consideration into the current state of our team and realize it is my obligation to our employees, partners, and supporters to do whatever is necessary to elevate our team’s competitiveness.
“We sincerely wish Conor continued success and will cheer him on wherever he goes next.”
The ECR release states the #20 entry will continue without Daly, and that it will continue to have BitNile.com sponsorship.
A driver for the car for the upcoming race at Road America has not yet been named.
