IndyCar: 2018 Indianapolis 500 one-off driver possibilities

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FORT WORTH, TX – JUNE 09: Conor Daly, driver of the #4 ABC Supply AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) /

Conor Daly

After netting full-time rides with Dale Coyne Racing and A.J. Foyt Racing in 2016 and 2017, respectively, Conor Daly is again back in open wheel purgatory.

Daly is a talented driver with junior championships in both the United States and Europe. Funding has always been an issue for him. That lack of funding has him looking on from the outside in 2018, at least for now.

Daly is a second-generation IndyCar driver. His father, Derek, drove in 66 CART races from 1982 to 1989. Derek Daly also drove in the 500 on six occasions. A run in 2018 would give the younger Daly five Indy 500 starts, but success has eluded him. His best finish of 22nd came in his first start in 2013.

James Davison

When the month of May 2017 started, the Indianapolis 500 was probably the last thing in Davison’s mind. But when Sebastien Bourdais had a terrible shunt on the first day of qualifying, Davison was thrust into action.

With very little seat time, Davison was up to speed and was one of the more entertaining drivers to watch on race day. Starting 33rd, the Aussie rocketed to the front and was running in the top 10 when he was involved in a crash with 17 laps to go.

There isn’t a lot of chatter about Davison getting a ride in 2018, but if he could put on the same kind of show he did this year, he’d be more than welcome in the field.