Daly, Aleshin secure 2016 IndyCar deals

Conor Daly, the son of Irish 1980s Formula One and IndyCar racer Derek Daly, and Russian Mikhail Aleshin each secured IndyCar rides for the 2016 campaign, the series announced Friday.

Daly, a 23-year-old American, signed a full-season deal with Dale Coyne Racing while Aleshin, 28, rejoins Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, for whom he drove 17 races in 2014 and this year's season finale.

Daly has sought a full-time ride since finishing 22nd at the 2013 Indianapolis 500 in his IndyCar debut. He drove in five races last season in part-time deals.

"It's an amazing thing to think that I actually get to prepare for races before the weekend," Daly said.

"It's incredible to finally be able to get this break. Excited to finally be able to put away the sponsorship books and cold calls and just be able to work."

The elder Daly's lone F1 or IndyCar podium was a third place US oval effort in 1987 at Milwaukee. His son's best result to date was sixth at Detroit last season as a replacement for injured Canadian racer James Hinchcliffe.

Aleshin has need time to adjust to car changes since a practice crash caused him to miss the last race of the 2014 campaign and part of last season.

"I'm very happy," Aleshin said. "I can't wait to be back. I'm very motivated and 100 percent ready to win."
Source: AFP