AutoSportRadio.com 2024 Show for July 25th

AutoSportRadio.com 2024 Show for July 25th – Guest: Conor Daly

This show was recorded in front of a live audience at Green Street Pub and Eatery in Brownsburg, Indiana.
Guest...
Conor Daly
From an early race crash to a strong late-race run inside the top-10, Conor Daly had fun as he earned his career best finish in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The fun started on the opening lap for Daly as he was swept up in a multi-car accident in Turn 3. The No. 26 Polkadot Toyota GR Supra received minor damage to the left front. Compared to several of his competitors, the NTT IndyCar Series veteran emerged relatively unscathed.
Despite the damage, Daly ran up front throughout much of the Pennzoil 250. The Noblesville, IN native drafted with Shane van Gisbergen inside the top-15 throughout much of the 100-lap race. Late cautions and the resulting pit strategy in both stages kept the Sam Hunt Racing machine outside of the top-10 in both stages.
Although this was Daly’s first Xfinity race since the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL last year, it was his first experience on an oval. He enjoyed competing just as he’s enjoyed watching the series.
“That was really fun,” Daly said. “I mean, the car was really fast. I honestly had a tremendous time. I think I got moved out of the way a little bit, which I expected, but I really enjoyed the racing and like racing with Shane was really fun. He’s awesome to race with some of those other guys too, so it’s just fun to run at the front with these guys because I watch every week. I enjoy watching the series, but this Toyota was fast, and it’s got a lot of character to it now.”
Daly climbed into the top-10 while working with van Gisbergen in the final Stage. He had been battling with Justin Allgaier when the final caution of the race waved for an accident on the backstretch with 17 laps to go.
Daly’s crew chief Kris Bowen opted to gamble with two tires under the ensuing caution. The difference in tire life tightened the Toyota Racing driver’s car. With fresher tires behind him on the restart, he was sent into the corners by Austin Hill and others in the closing laps. When the checkered flag waved, Daly slipped from seventh to 14th, his best career finish in 10 starts across NASCAR’s three National Touring Series.

Camera: Ted Howlett, House Audio: Chad Pierce, Production Assistance and Video Equipment by Speedway Community Television