Conor Daly may be a full-time driver in the IndyCar Series, but the 31-year-old racer from Noblesville, Indiana is looking to expand his horizons in 2023. Daly will attempt to qualify for this year's Daytona 500 in the BITNILE.com-sponsored No. 50 Chevrolet for The Money Team Racing, the NASCAR Cup Series team owned by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather.
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In 2022, TMT Racing fielded 24-year-old Kaz Grala in the Daytona 500, but this year, they are looking for someone with a little more overall racing experience in Daly, who has been competing professionally since 2008 and has a total of 97 starts in the IndyCar Series.
"The Money Team Racing shocked the world by making the Daytona 500 last year, and I believe in this team and know we will prepare a great car for this year's race," Mayweather said in an official statement. "Like a fighter who's always ready to face the best, Conor has the courage to buckle into this beast without any practice and put that car into the field. Conor is like a hungry fighter and my kind of guy. I sure wouldn't bet against him."
To have a chance to try and qualify for the #Daytona500 is an incredible opportunity! A monumental challenge against some great drivers and teams with no practice but we will give it our best shot! Huge thanks to https://t.co/vZrDcenlA9 and @ToddAultIII ! @NASCAR pic.twitter.com/9WFJthgkSG
— Conor Daly (@ConorDaly22) February 7, 2023
Having made his Cup Series debut with TMT Racing in 2022, finishing 34th in the Bank of America Roval 400
at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Daly will be among at least six drivers in cars without charters vying for four available spot in this year's "Great American Race." Daly's competition in that regard includes seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, action sports legend Travis Pastrana, 2022 NASCAR Truck Series champion Zane Smith, 2021 Truck Series Rookie of the Year Chandler Smith, and 2022 Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year Austin Hill.
TMT Racing also announced that Daly, schedule permitting, will race in an additional six Cup races this year.
"I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to attempt to run in the Daytona 500," Daly said. "It is the most prestigious race in NASCAR and to have the chance to compete in it is truly an honor. I am also excited to be running the entire IndyCar Series season and select NASCAR Cup events."
"I am looking forward to the challenge and can't wait to get behind the wheel of whatever BITNILE.COM race car, boat, dune buggy or vehicle they ask me to drive."
