LONG BEACH, Calif. – Conor Daly’s breakfast was interrupted by a call from Verizon IndyCar Series team owner Dale Coyne.

Moments later, he was in the INDYCAR paddock being fit into Coyne’s No. 18 Honda in preparations for his 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series season debut.

Daly, whose father Derek Daly made three starts on the Long Beach street circuit, replaces the injured Rocky Moran Jr., for the 41st Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach beginning with practice on April 18. Moran injured his left thumb in an accident during practice April 17.

“It’s a shame to see Rocky break his (thumb) like he did, but this is why I bring my stuff to the track every week and this is why I’m here and this is why I’m ready,” Daly said. “I can’t thank Dale enough for the call. To be able to get out here and do some laps and get in the game. We’ll see what happens, but I’m excited for the opportunity.”

Daly made his series debut for AJ Foyt Racing at the 2013 Indianapolis 500. The 2011 Indy Lights winner at Long Beach, Daly has been driving the Indy Racing Experience two-seat Indy car at events this season.

“We’re not here to set the world on fire,” said Daly, whose team borrowed a seat from Marco Andretti. “We’re here to learn. At least I’ve been on the track this weekend (in the two-seater). I should be ready to go and excited for it. I’ve always wanted to race (an Indy car) on a road course, and especially here at Long Beach.”