By Josh Farmer, IndyCar Reporter
Conor Daly and Carlos Munoz have been announced as AJ Foyt Racing’s two drivers for the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series season.
Munoz will drive Foyt’s legendary No. 14 ABC Supply car while Daly will drive the renumbered No. 4 ABC Supply car. An interesting note is that both teams will not be under the same roof – Munoz’s team will operate out of Foyt’s Waller, Texas shop while Daly’s crew will work out of the team’s new Speedway, Indiana shop.
Munoz drove for Andretti Autosport from 2014-16, where he scored his lone IndyCar win at Detroit in 2015, a pole at Texas in 2016 as well as seven podiums, including two runner-up finishes at the Indianapolis 500 (2014, 2016).
“I am really excited about this new chapter in my professional career,” Munoz said. “I’m looking forward to driving the No. 14 car, which has so much history, and working with Larry and his dad A.J., who is a legend in auto racing. One of my main goals is to be an Indy 500 champion and I know they want to win another one so hopefully we can do it together. It is a whole new package for AJ Foyt Racing in 2017 plus the team is adding some new personnel, and we will be pushing hard to be competitive every time out. I can’t wait to get started.”
Daly will be competing in his second Verizon IndyCar Series Season driving for AJ Foyt Racing. He made his IndyCar debut with the team in the 2013 Indianapolis 500, where he finished 22nd. He drove part time in 2015 for Dale Coyne Racing and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports before running a full rookie campaign for Coyne in 2016.
He finished second to Alexander Rossi in the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings with a best finish of second at Detroit and scored an additional top five finish at Watkins Glen.
“I am thrilled to be reunited with AJ Foyt Racing for the 2017 Verizon Indycar Series season,” Daly said. “A.J. and Larry were the ones who gave me my first chance at not only getting in an IndyCar for a test at Sebring but also the greatest race in the world, the Indianapolis 500 in 2013. Now we get an opportunity to compete as a team for the full season and I couldn’t be happier.”
ABC Supply has also re-signed with the team as part of a multi-year agreement. The team is let to confirm an engine/aero kit manufacturer for the season.
“It’s been a busy off season, which to me is a great thing,” said Larry Foyt, team manager of AJ Foyt Racing. “There are many moving parts as we grow and continue to strengthen our weaknesses as a team. It’s wonderful to continue our relationship with ABC Supply and adding two young and fast drivers is exciting for our program. I can’t remember a time when the Verizon IndyCar Series has been this competitive from top to bottom, so we know we have to work around the clock this winter to meet our goals before the season starts.”
