On Saturday night, Conor Daly scored a fantastic third-place finish at the Milwaukee Mile. Not only was it the first podium for his Juncos Hollinger Racing INDYCAR SERIES team, but what is interesting about this result is that in 1987, in the CART Series, Conor’s Dad, Derek, then competing for Raynor scored a third-place finish at the Milwaukee Mile.
Speaking to Paddock Eye on Wednesday about his third place at the Milwaukee Mile, Derek Daly said:
Milwaukee 1987 was the the first race of my full time return to racing after my accident in 1984. I raced for Raynor for the next 2 1/2 yrs and then in sportscars for another 2 yrs.
I remember that the car was the best short track car I had ever driven. Like Conor on Saturday – the car gave me great confidence.
The accident that Derek is referring to is the 1984 Michigan 200, nearly ending the Dubliner’s racing career. Reflecting on Conor’s third-place finish at Milwaukee on Saturday evening, Derek told Paddock Eye:
When he finished on Sat night, I was just happy that he had a car and environment that allowed him to shine. The combination of good people and a good car created the opportunity for him.
Yes the last yellow helped him get to sixth – but he drove it there and then drove it in full attack mode to P3 after the last yellow. This result was manufactured with sheer speed, commitment and daring.
The podium finish gives Conor something to build on for the season’s final race at Nashville Super Speedway next weekend. It also gives Juncos Hollinger Racing great momentum as it heads into that race and into the off-season.