DOVER, DELAWARE - APRIL 29: Justin Haley, driver of the #31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet, walks the grid during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 at Dover International Speedway on April 29, 2023 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) | Getty Images
DOVER, DELAWARE - APRIL 29: Justin Haley, driver of the #31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet, walks the grid during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Würth 400 at Dover International Speedway on April 29, 2023 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Justin Haley said he passed on opportunity to run Indianapolis 500

Justin Haley admitted to passing on previous opportunities to race in the Indianapolis 500, with reasons attributed to unreadiness and putting the primary focus on his NASCAR career.

A 24-year-old is set to drive for Rick Ware Racing’s NASCAR Cup Series program in 2024. Among the many involvements for RWR, though, has been a partnership with Dale Coyne Racing since 2020.

For Haley, an Indiana native, he was asked at a recent media availability of the prospects of doing the Indy 500 with RWR.

“No,” said Haley, who has one win in the Cup Series (Daytona, July 2019).

“I’ve actually turned down one or two Indy 500 rides, which is surprising. I don’t feel like I’m quite ready for it yet, but I had an opportunity to run it a few years back and then I think one other time, so I don’t know – not quite yet. I’m not quite to the point in my career where I feel like that’s something I want to tackle.

Motorsport