Conor Daly; Fast & furious, this young gun’s got it

When he first spotted my host, the smile that raised on his face lit up like the sun on a summer’s day. He looked not just young to my 4th decade eyes, but sweet, cute and buff. Man-child, this kid is is cut.

Even through his race gear, you could see the muscles on the 18 year old’s body, showing off not just the desire to master his sport, but rise to the top.

His smile is even more impressive up close, his handshake sure and firm, his attitude positive and genuine, yet his charm lies in a sweetness-come-confidence. 

Immediately I liked him. By the end of the first lap I was cheering for him. By the end of the day I wished for him the day he hoisted his first Formula One trophy. 

His name is Conor Daly, and he’s a race car driver.

Harkening from that midwestern-race-car-driver-field of Indiana, Conor has those midwestern work ethic values, kindness and confidence, and racing is in his blood. Dad is driver Derek Daly of Formula One and Indy Car fame, mom Beth, won a Novice Jet Ski World title.

Racing and winning are at the foundation of this kid’s talent. 

Yet what struck me time and again was his gentle kindness, his serious attention to the task at hand, and the Hollywood good looks sure to take him to the sponsorship heights of Jimmy Johnson, Dale Jr and Danica Patrick. 

My host, Dean Case of MazdaSpeed Motorsports, introduced me to this Mazda Young Gun, and for several minutes we chatted about the upcoming day, his race, and what his hopes are for his future.

Later I was trackside as he brought his race car to a stop for the Victory Lane celebrations. On this day at Sebring International Raceway, Conor had put forth an impressive race, but gear issues moved him from 1st into 3rd by race end. He still had plenty to be proud of, no matter the obvious disappointment. 

Yet with a grace one might argue is beyond his years, his sportsmanship and honor had him talking strategy with his crew and being gracious in his slip into 3rd. That lowest level on the pedestal didn’t show his true glory - that of a great driver with an even greater attitude. 

Conor gets congratulated following the race. Copyright 2010 Rochelle Paul.

Watching him in the hat dance, taking his place in the Victory photos and taking congratulations from those back down at track level, he was at once a man-child still so new to this element (in spite his almost veteran years) and seasoned man understanding that all of this is at its core is still about the relationship.

He’d said that earlier - relationship.

I’d asked him about it, what was important about racing, what he had to do to be out front, what his dream was for his future and from this young man of merely 18, he already knew that business and success sat as foundational bedrock in relationship.

He’s got it.

Both on the track and off, Conor Daly has got the goods. His talent is palpable as he moves around the track, smooth as a good drink (that he’s not old enough to enjoy), confident as a veteran ready to take yet another Championship. 

Off track he’s just as smooth, though watching, one can spot a sweetness, an innocence, a respect for those with more laps under their belts, and while he’s confident in those one on ones I observed, couldn’t help but see that the sweetness is perhaps an insecurity at being the center of attention. 

Memorize the name race fans, Conor Daly is here to stay. And one day, without question, girls will be wanting to date him, guys wanting to be his buddy, and race fans around the world straining to get his autograph. 

His dream is Formula One, just like dad, and he’ll get there. And while in the U.S. its not as popular as the more mainstream NASCAR, without doubt, Conor Daly is its future Jimmy Johnson, Dale Jr. and Danica Patrick. 

The future is here, and its name is Conor Daly. 

For more on Conor and his racing, take a look at his website or contact him for sponsorship.

On stage after accepting his 3rd place medal. Copyright 2010 Rochelle Paul.