The IndyCar XPEL Grand Prix at Road America on June 22, 2025, delivered a race packed with chaos, strategy, and a moment so bizarre it left fans and commentators speechless. Conor Daly, the Juncos Hollinger Racing driver, found himself at the center of an unforgettable incident that had his car sprouting a “tail” on the track. Days after the event, Daly broke his silence, offering a heartfelt apology to the IndyCar safety team and shedding light on a mishap that’s still sparking conversations across social media.
The 55-lap race at Road America was already heating up with high temperatures and intense competition. Alex Palou ultimately claimed victory, navigating fuel-saving strategies and multiple cautions to secure his sixth win of the 2025 season. But for Daly, the race took a turn for the worse on lap 22 when a late-braking mistake sent his No. 76 car sliding into the gravel trap at Turn 5. The AMR safety crew swiftly intervened, towing his car back onto the track. What happened next was something no one could have predicted.
As Daly accelerated away, he unknowingly dragged the tow rope still attached to his car’s rear. The rope trailed behind like a tail, flapping wildly as he sped down the circuit. IndyCar commentator Will Buxton captured the absurdity perfectly, exclaiming, “Just when you thought you had seen it all in motor racing, a car has developed a tail.” The sight baffled marshals, amused fans, and left the safety team scrambling to make sense of the situation. For a moment, Daly’s car became the unintentional star of the race, stealing the spotlight in a way no driver ever intends.
The incident, while humorous in hindsight, could have had serious consequences. Tow ropes are critical tools for safety crews, and leaving one attached posed risks to both Daly and others on the track. Recognizing the gravity of his mistake, the 33-year-old driver took to Instagram to address the blunder. In a candid post, he expressed deep regret and gratitude to the safety team for their quick response. He acknowledged his oversight, explaining that in the heat of the moment, he failed to notice the rope was still connected. His apology resonated with fans, who appreciated his accountability and humility in owning up to the error.
Daly’s Road America outing wasn’t the highlight he’d hoped for. Starting in P21, he finished P22, continuing a challenging 2025 season that has seen him place 26th in the drivers’ standings. Yet, his ability to find humor in the “tail” incident and connect with fans through social media has kept him in the spotlight. The Instagram post, complete with a clip of the bizarre moment, went viral, racking up thousands of likes and comments. Fans praised his transparency, with many sharing memes and jokes about the car’s unexpected appendage.
This wasn’t Daly’s first brush with the unexpected in IndyCar. Just weeks earlier at the Indianapolis 500, he made headlines for an entirely different reason, admitting to urinating in his race suit during a rain delay. His candid storytelling and relatability have endeared him to fans, making him one of the series’ most engaging personalities. The Road America incident only adds to his growing legend as a driver who faces setbacks with grace and a touch of humor.
For IndyCar, the incident underscores the critical role of safety teams. The AMR crew’s swift action to free Daly from the gravel trap prevented further disruption, even as they dealt with the tow rope fiasco. It’s a reminder of the high-stakes environment these professionals navigate, ensuring drivers can race with confidence. Daly’s apology highlights the mutual respect between drivers and safety crews, a bond that keeps the sport running smoothly even in the face of chaos.
As the 2025 IndyCar season races past its halfway point, moments like Daly’s “tail” incident keep fans glued to their screens. It’s a sport where strategy meets unpredictability, where a single lap can spark a story that lives on long after the checkered flag. For Conor Daly, Road America was a race to forget on the leaderboard but one to remember for its wild twist. His apology may have closed the chapter, but the tale of the tail will linger in IndyCar lore.
