News Summary

Conor Daly is set to return to the IndyCar Series full-time in 2027 after Dreyer & Reinbold Racing confirmed the American as the driver for its comeback campaign.

The agreement is multi-year and will see Daly drive the team’s new No. 24 Honda, as DRR returns to full-time IndyCar competition for the first time since 2012.

The deal reunites Daly with a team he already knows well. The American raced for Dreyer & Reinbold at the Indianapolis 500 in 2024 and 2026, establishing a relationship with the organization during its strongest period of involvement in the month of May.

DRR’s return to the full-time grid became possible after the team acquired Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s third charter, the No. 47 entry, which had been used by Mick Schumacher in 2026. GRANDE PRÊMIO previously detailed the charter transaction and the technical relationship expected to link DRR and RLL in 2027.

The partnership will also bring a change of manufacturer for Dreyer & Reinbold. After using Chevrolet machinery for its recent Indianapolis 500 programs, the team will switch to Honda power for its full-time 2027 campaign.

“Dreyer & Reinbold is returning to IndyCar full-time in 2027 with Honda engines, and Conor Daly is the driver we want leading that return,” team owner Derek Reinbold said.

Daly’s appointment also gives the Indiana native a chance to establish himself as a full-time IndyCar driver again. He has made numerous starts in the series in recent years, but has not held a full-season seat since 2023.

The 2027 agreement follows a period of significant change in the IndyCar driver market. GRANDE PRÊMIO previously reported that Christian Lundgaard has signed with Chip Ganassi Racing to replace Scott Dixon in the No. 9, although the move had yet to be officially announced at the time of the original report.

With Daly now committed to DRR, the number of available full-time seats for 2027 continues to shrink. Ganassi’s No. 9 is effectively accounted for by Lundgaard, while Juncos Hollinger Racing, A.J. Foyt Racing and Dale Coyne Racing still have openings to resolve.

Rinus VeeKay is also considered a strong candidate to remain with Juncos after his 2026 campaign. The Dutchman has previously avoided commenting on ownership and technical-alliance speculation surrounding the team, while acknowledging that a technical partnership could benefit the organization.

DRR’s return is also part of a broader technical relationship with RLL. Graham Rahal previously described the alliance as a “perfect fit”, with the two organizations expected to work closely across several areas in 2027.

For Daly, however, the immediate focus is still on finishing the 2026 season before beginning a new chapter with DRR.

GRANDE PRÊMIO follows all the action from the Grand Prix of Monterey, the final round of the 2026 IndyCar season.

FAQ

Will Conor Daly race full-time in IndyCar in 2027?

Yes. Daly has signed a multi-year agreement with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and will compete full-time in the 2027 IndyCar Series.

What engine will Dreyer & Reinbold use in 2027?

DRR will use Honda power after running Chevrolet machinery in its recent Indianapolis 500 appearances.

When did Dreyer & Reinbold last compete full-time in IndyCar?

The team’s 2027 campaign will mark its first full-time IndyCar season since 2012.