Conor Daly confirmed with SPM in Detroit

Conor Daly's Indy 500 debut with Schmidt-Peterson Motorsports this past Sunday did not go as planned, as a fire broke out on his 43 machine during the pace laps. 

He retired before even taking the green flag. 

Today, however, Daly and Schmidt-Peterson Motorsports confirmed that he will wheel the 5 entry vacated by injured driver James Hinchcliffe this weekend in Detroit.

"I can't thank those guys enough for the opportunity, and have to really thank Smithfield Foods for staying on board with me," Daly told Motorsport.com.

As for the remainder of the races that will need to be filled, Daly says he is staying optimistic about his chances to wheel the car, but says he understands there are more forces at play in regards to those decisions.

"I would love to be in for as many races that are needed before James comes back, but Sam (Schmidt) wants to make the best decisions for the team, and we don't know what those are right now."

Daly is excited about the upcoming double-header in Detroit, giving him two opportunities in one weekend with the team. 

As for James Hinchcliffe, who remains in hospital and according to Daly is in good spirits, there is no set timeline for his return at this point.

"I was there for about an hour, I saw him yesterday," said Daly. 

"He just assumed I would be in the car for him, he is super supportive of the decision and super supportive of me."