Daly to test with Foyt, but his heart is in F1
A couple of weeks ago, none of that seemed possible.
"I was just saying that last night," said Daly, who turned 21 earlier this week. "Life is good. We've suddenly gotten things going."
Details won't be made public until contracts are finalized, but Daly, who is in town for the holidays, said a sponsorship package for what's officially known as Formula Renault 3.5 is nearly in place. A budget for a competitive team is about $1 million.
Daly is represented by his father, Derek, a former Formula One and CART driver who competed in six Indianapolis 500s in the 1980s.
Daly said about three-quarters of the 26-car Formula Renault field are capable of winning races. He won one race last year in GP3, finishing sixth in the standings.
Daly's career goal remains a seat in F-1, but he said the recent IndyCar test with A.J. Foyt Racing could keep him in his home country for the 2014 season and beyond.
"If there's a seat in IndyCar for 2014, that would be really cool," he said. "Or, if things go really well in Europe next season and an F-1 team wants to help me, that would be good, too.
"So, we have options."
Due to a lack of funding, Daly said it's unlikely a ride with Foyt materializes for next year unless it's for a couple of late-season races. But last week's test at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway was encouraging.
"Larry Foyt said they'd rather focus on 2014 rather than force something for next year," Daly said.
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| Daly won a GP3 race in Spain this past year is looking to land a top-tier drive in America for 2013 |
Foyt's team is expected to sign Takuma Sato as its driver for 2013. Indy Star
12/04/12 Conor Daly let the word out to his followers on Twitter: "Absolutely cannot wait to get in an @IndyCar for the first time next week with @AJFoytRacing! Incredible opportunity. Very thankful!"
12/04/12 Rumor has it that Conor Daly will be testing an IndyCar with A.J. Foyt Racing December 13th at Sebring.