INDIANAPOLIS – Ed Carpenter Racing announced Friday morning that the U.S. Air Force and Conor Daly will remain with the team for the upcoming NTT IndyCar Series season.
Daly will continue to drive Ed Carpenter Racing’s No. 20 Chevrolet during the road and street course events, 10 of which will carry the colors of the U.S. Air Force. Additionally, Daly will again race a U.S. Air Force Chevrolet for Ed Carpenter Racing in the Indianapolis 500.
The NTT IndyCar Series schedule consists of 13 road and street course events, all of which will feature Daly in Ed Carpenter Racing’s No. 20. The 10 races where the No. 20 U.S. Air Force Chevrolet will be on track are set to be announced at a later date, as will the primary partner for Daly’s three other races.
For the four oval events, Daly will hand the No. 20 back over to team owner Ed Carpenter. Daly will also drive a U.S. Air Force Chevrolet in the Indianapolis 500, once again rounding out the team’s three-car lineup.
“It feels incredible to have another year together with the U.S. Air Force and Ed Carpenter Racing,” stated Daly. “Continuity has always been helpful for me in my career; the fact that we are able to hit the ground running in 2021 already having experience together gives me a lot of confidence. Every day we learn more and develop a stronger relationship.
“This would not be possible without the support of the U.S. Air Force, who have been an incredibly supportive and loyal partner. I want nothing more than to win races and compete for the entrant championship for the Airmen, the guys at ECR and my boss Ed, who has become a true friend of mine. I can’t wait to get back to work.”
Daly, who turned 29 on Tuesday, is continuing a partnership with the U.S. Air Force that originated four years ago. Beginning as a one-off 2018 Indianapolis 500 entry, the partnership between Daly and the U.S. Air Force has continued to grow each season.
Daly competed in the full 2020 schedule, splitting his talent between Ed Carpenter Racing and Carlin. While Carpenter raced the No. 20 on ovals, Daly stepped into Carlin’s No. 59. In addition to four top-10 finishes, Daly earned his first pole position at Iowa Speedway. In the last seven years, the Noblesville, Ind., native has competed in more than 60 Indy car races.
Known for a desire to sharpen his skills by racing in different disciplines, Daly also made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut earlier this year at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“This partnership draws a parallel with how we fly, fight and win,” said Maj. Jason Wyche, Chief, Air Force National Events Branch at Air Force Recruiting Service. “Both organizations rely on the principles of science, technology, engineering and math to accomplish the mission. The technology that goes into these cars is similar to what we rely on when flying our fighter jets. Also, teamwork is especially important with the Air Force just like at the Indy 500. Everything just ties in perfectly with how we accomplish our respective missions. That’s what makes this a great partnership!”
Team owner Ed Carpenter said he is thrilled with continuation of the program with Daly and the U.S. Air Force.
“It is a very exciting day to be able to announce the return of both the U.S. Air Force and Conor to Ed Carpenter Racing! We are looking forward to the 2021 NTT IndyCar Series, having the same driver lineup to continue our progression back to a race-winning and championship-contending organization,” Carpenter said. “We are very grateful for the support of U.S. Air Force and honored to represent everything that they stand for. We’re thankful for the opportunity to inspire and engage the next generation of men and women who join the U.S. Air Force.”