When Conor Daly blazed past his competitors in the 108th Indy 500, he wasn’t just racing; he was carrying the dreams of the Polkadot community, who backed him to represent Web3’s future. With a stunning TV audience of 13.3 million watching, Daly surged from a challenging 29th starting position to lead for 10% of the race, his Polkadot-sponsored car sparking curiosity across the racing world.
A natural-born racer, Daly is the son of Irish Formula One legend Derek Daly, a driver known for his daring moves in the late 1970s and early ’80s. But Conor Daly’s career is more than legacy—he has earned his place among IndyCar’s elite with over 100 races under his belt and accolades for speed, skill, and resilience. His affiliation with Polkadot arose from a unique proposal, where Polkadot’s decentralized community voted to sponsor Daly’s car, showcasing their innovative approach to sport and brand exposure.
The Indy 500, one of the most-watched motorsport events worldwide, proved the perfect platform. Daly’s pink Polkadot-branded DRR-Cusick Motorsports Chevrolet captivated audiences, spreading DOT’s presence and introducing millions to the promise of decentralized technology. “Being at the Indy 500 with Conor, watching him race, was a thrilling moment and an honor,” said Chrissy Hill, Parity Technologies’ interim COO. “It was unforgettable to witness Polkadot reaching so many new eyes and inspiring them to learn more about Web3.” 
Crypto’s Unconventional Foray into Motorsports
The Polkadot sponsorship shines amid a broader trend of crypto and motorsports partnerships. During the 2021 bull run, crypto brands raced to secure F1 sponsorships, but many pulled back when the bear market hit. Today, only a few key players remain, like Crypto.com and OKX, but Polkadot’s entry into IndyCar stands out as the sole Web3 entity at the Indy 500, showcasing blockchain’s evolving role in mainstream events.
The sponsorship vote wasn’t easy to secure, either. Polkadot’s OpenGov, a decentralized governance system introduced in 2023, rallied community members to approve 290,000 DOT ($2.1 million) to back Daly’s team. Thousands of members voted, with an overwhelming 95.8% approval, a testament to Daly’s ability to connect with Web3 enthusiasts.
Daly: A New Face of Polkadot
The story of Conor Daly and Polkadot goes beyond sponsorship. As Daly explains, “When Chris Wade from the Polkadot community reached out, it was unexpected, but the potential to bring DOT to a new audience excited me.”
Daly’s dedication to educating others about blockchain is personal. “Discovering that my dad even holds DOT—what a surprise that was!” he laughs. “It was a sign that I was in the right place.”
Daly’s journey into Web3 is also influencing his team. This year, he plans to meet the Polkadot community in Brussels at the Polkadot Decoded conference, where he’ll share his racing experiences and Polkadot’s role in his life.
This dynamic partnership is just beginning. “My goal is to make sure this relationship benefits everyone involved. I want to bring Polkadot fans into racing and introduce racing fans to Polkadot,” says Daly.
For Daly and the Polkadot community, the Indy 500 was a milestone, marking the beginning of a powerful collaboration. It’s not just about crossing the finish line—it’s about leading the charge toward a decentralized future. And with each lap, Polkadot and Daly are racing toward that vision.
