What’s happening?
Wednesday evening was supposed to be the big moment for Conor Daly and The Money Team – their chance to make it into the Daytona 500. Unfortunately, their plans were spoiled when an electrical short melted a hole in an oil line. He will have to race his way in during the Duels on Thursday.
What you need to know:
- INDYCAR driver Conor Daly is attempting to qualify for his first ever Daytona 500.
- The opportunity for Daly comes with a partnership between his INDY sponsor BitNile and Floyd Mayweather’s “The Money Team”.
- Daly has gained popularity in NASCAR with fellow drivers and fans alike, and many want to see him succeed. Having a mechanical issue block hinder his chances to race on Sunday is disappointing for those who wish him well.
Main Characters
With Daly turning to wait and see mode, Dalton Hopkins was able to catch up with him in the garage.
Conor Daly won’t be able to qualify tonight after the team couldn’t repair the car in time.
— Dalton Hopkins (@PitLaneLT) February 16, 2023
Thankfully, he still has tomorrow night to make the big show on Sunday. Hear his thoughts about it 👇#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/ghZ6JmXE8O
Conor also tweeted about the incident and his outlook for racing his way in.

Around the Garage
Brian Keselowski who has experience in NASCAR as a racer and team owner, says this might have been preventable.
Seems like some teams have forgotten what chassis dynos are used for. You can easily find most of these issues before you ever get to true race track for practice or qualifying. I swear we have gone backwards so much recently
— Brian Keselowski (@KeselowskiBrian) February 16, 2023
In the Stands
Fans of Daly are apprehensive of the lack of practice before the duels, but support their driver despite his team’s misfortune.


Twitter user Dillon is skeptical about TMT’s resources as issues like this rarely prevent Cup regulars from qualifying.

The incident leads many fans to question why NASCAR chose not to have practice prior to qualifying for the biggest race of the season.

From the Pressbox
Conor Daly won't be making a qualifying run tonight and will have to start in the rear of the Duel tomorrow.
— Dustin Albino (@DustinAlbino) February 16, 2023
He wishes Travis Pastrana luck prior to his attempt. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/driVqi6nT3
Bob Pockrass had the story in real time on Twitter, giving specifics of the issue.
An electrical short apparently burned a hole in the oil line of the Conor Daly car. They are scrambling but unlikely to get it repaired and through tech in time for qualifying. If they don’t qualify, they would start at rear of duel.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 16, 2023
This incident makes Thursday’s duel races even more contentious with 2 spots locked up and only 2 left open. FS1 has the coverage of the high stakes sprints Thursday, February 16th at 7:00pm EST.