Conor Daly experienced a highly unusual incident during the 2025 IndyCar XPEL Grand Prix at Road America. On lap 22, Daly got stuck in the gravel trap while attempting to overtake David Malukas of AJ Foyt Racing. The trackside safety crew, specifically the AMR safety team, managed to pull Daly out of the gravel using a tow rope. However, Daly did not realize that the tow rope was still attached to his Juncos Hollinger Racing car as he rejoined the race. This led to a bizarre scene where Daly’s car appeared to have “developed a tail,” baffling both the track marshals and the race commentators.

IndyCar commentator Will Buxton remarked on the incident, saying, “Just when you thought you had seen it all in motor racing, a car has developed a tail. Welcome back to the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America, that is Conor Daly. The amazing AMR safety crew were able to get Conor out of the gravel trap, but Conor didn’t realize that they hadn’t disconnected the tow rope”.

At the time of the incident, Daly had started the 55-lap race from 21st position and was running 24th. His attempt to pass Malukas was thwarted when he failed to slow down sufficiently to avoid the gravel trap at a particular section of the track.

Despite Daly’s misfortune, the race itself featured exciting competition, particularly among Kyle Kirkwood, Alex Palou, and Will Power. The commentators highlighted a thrilling moment where Power initially outperformed Kirkwood but then overshot a corner, allowing Palou to overtake both in a single move. This action was described as “absolutely stunning” from the helicopter view, showcasing Palou’s skill in capitalizing on his rivals’ errors.

As of lap 39 in the 55-lap race, Alex Palou was leading. The 28-year-old driver had already secured five Grand Prix wins earlier in the year and was on track for a sixth victory at Road America.

In summary, Conor Daly’s race at Road America was marked by the unusual and humorous incident of driving with a tow rope still attached after being pulled from the gravel, an event that left officials and commentators equally puzzled. Meanwhile, the race itself continued with intense battles among top contenders, especially Alex Palou, who was leading the event.