IndyCar driver Conor Daly publicly addressed comments made by Tony Stewart regarding IndyCar participation at the Tony Stewart Chili Bowl Nationals, after Stewart questioned the willingness of most current drivers to take on the event. Daly’s pointed response on social media clarified his stance about any return to the high-profile midget racing competition.
Tony Stewart, celebrated for his achievements in NASCAR, NHRA, and as a former IndyCar champion, returned to the Tulsa Expo Center as Grand Marshall for the 40th Chili Bowl Nationals. During a press conference, Stewart was candid about his views on which current IndyCar racers he’d like to see compete, stating,
“On the IndyCar side, I just don’t know. Outside of Santino, I think Santino is the only one that has the balls to do it, or the passion to do it, at least.”
This remark sparked reactions online when Motorsport shared the quote on X (formerly Twitter). A racing fan chimed in on the discussion, expressing interest in seeing Conor Daly, Katherine Legge, and Ed Carpenter try their hand at the Chili Bowl Nationals. Daly himself replied directly to the suggestion, decisively putting rumors to rest with,
“No thanks. I’ve retired from the chili bowl. Lol happy to watch on tv.”
Daly’s history at the Chili Bowl Nationals is notable, with his debut taking place in 2019. Over three appearances, he stood out as the last full-time IndyCar driver aside from Santino Ferrucci to participate, with his most recent run being in 2022. Despite enthusiasm from some quarters, Daly made it clear his days of competing in the event are over.
Tony Stewart, whose own resume includes a 1997 IndyCar championship and two Chili Bowl victories (2002 and 2007), remains a key figure in both series. Stewart’s outspoken nature has often fueled debate, and his observations at this year’s event kept attention focused on the cross-section of top-tier racing talent.
Daly’s Past Struggles at the Chili Bowl Nationals
Conor Daly’s debut in 2019 saw him finish seventh in the second K feature, making a solid entrance to the Super Bowl of midget racing. The following year in 2020, Daly achieved his top finish at the event—ninth in the H-Main—but also faced significant frustration with his car’s performance. Reflecting on that experience, Daly voiced his struggles:
“I’m trying my heart out and it’s just, you know, sometimes … This car, I have no idea why I spun. This is a different chassis than I drove in Arizona (in December). It’s a little bit different and as soon as I got into it, the steering system felt quite a lot different than what I’m used to. I had never spun in a Midget my whole short career. I spun three times this weekend and I have no idea why. Every single time it spins, I have no idea why it does that.”
This candor highlighted the technical challenges drivers face when adapting to new machinery and track conditions in midget racing. Daly’s layered emotions capture the intensity and difficulty of the event, which is widely known for its fiercely competitive fields and unpredictable outcomes.
Recent IndyCar Entrants and the Event’s Continuing Legacy
While Conor Daly may have stepped back, other IndyCar figures like Santino Ferrucci and Katherine Legge have maintained the tradition of entering the Chili Bowl Nationals, most recently as part of Abacus Racing. Their participation ensures the ongoing intersection between the highest levels of open-wheel racing and renowned grassroots motorsport events like the Tony Stewart Chili Bowl Nationals.
The continued dialogue around which mainstream racing personalities choose to compete underscores the significance of the Chili Bowl on the American motorsports calendar. Stewart’s critique and Daly’s response emphasize the mix of competitive drive, personal decisions, and the crossover appeal that keep fans engaged and debating who might step into the spotlight next.
No thanks. Ive retired from the chili bowl lol happy to watch on tv.
— Conor Daly (@ConorDaly22) January 13, 2026
