Six Quick Questions With Conor Daly

Conor Daly dominated the Star Mazda ranks last year. He won 7 out of 10 races, won two championships, and set records for number of wins, podiums, laps led, and poles for the series. He's tested in GP3 and Indy Lights, and obviously we're hoping to see more of what he can do in 2011. Conor was kind enough to answer Six Quick Questions for us.

First, could you clear up the situation in regards to you being in Indy Lights in 2011? It was announced you'd be driving a partial schedule at State of IndyCar, but that was a bit of a surprise to you, correct?

It was a big surprise to me. I wish I knew more about it but unfortunately I don't. It would be awesome to be a part of what they announced but as of right now I'm not sure what the details are on an Indy Lights program.

For you, what's the most exciting item to come out of the recent developments in IndyCar and the Mazda Road to Indy?

I think EVERYTHING is exciting about Indycar and the MAZDA Road To Indy! There are an unbelievable amount of good things happening for American open wheel racing right now. I think the future for young drivers in the MAZDA Road To Indy is very bright.

Which direction will Conor take?

What's been your best moment in racing thus far, and why?

Winning at O'Reilly Raceway Park in Star Mazda was my best moment in racing. It was the first time I had ever raced a car in my hometown before and the fact that it was the night before the 2010 Indianapolis 500 was incredible. I also had a huge amount of family and friends there to see me race which meant a lot to me.

Who's the best or toughest driver you've faced? What makes them so good?

My friend Connor De Phillippi has definitely been a tough driver to race against. He's a very talented driver and battling with him is always epic!

If you could design a perfect scenario for yourself in racing for 2011, how would it play out?

Well I think a perfect scenario would involve me making some money at some point! Haha! In all seriousness though, I think a main European racing program alongside a secondary American racing program is what I'd like to put together.

I have to ask, you've long had aspirations to go to Formula 1. Is there any scenario where you see yourself progressing into IndyCar and being happy in that decision?

I do indeed have aspirations to make it to Formula 1. However, my main goal in motorsports is to make a living doing what I love which is driving race cars. How I get to that point is all in the works at the moment!
  
(Photo provided courtesy of IndyCar Media)