Dale Coyne Racing Targets Second Driver by Thanksgiving
As of early October, team owner Dale Coyne aimed to secure his second driver by Halloween, but has now adjusted this target to Thanksgiving due to unforeseen delays.
Driver Updates and Technical Alliances
Dennis Hauger, the reigning Indy NXT champion from Andretti Global, is already confirmed for a seat with Coyne as part of a new technical alliance established between the two teams. Hauger is regarded as a strong Rookie of the Year contender following two successful test days with Coyne’s outfit.
Coyne emphasized the necessity of filling the second seat prior to December. “It has to be by Thanksgiving,” he stated. “You can’t go to Christmas because you can’t get anything done in December. December 15 is the latest. Definitely before Santa.”
Market Landscape and Potential Candidates
As of mid-November, the second seat remains one of the last unfilled positions in IndyCar, with potential candidates including former Coyne drivers Romain Grosjean and Abel, along with ex-Rookie of the Year Linus Lundqvist.
Financial Considerations
Coyne is now focused on funding the second entry, whether through sponsorship opportunities or attracting investment. In 2025, he collaborated with former Ed Carpenter Racing sponsor Todd Ault for a project alongside the Abel family for Jacob Abel’s entry.
“There’s still interest and talking and meetings,” Coyne noted regarding potential partnerships. “New owners need to realize what we’re up against in this sport. If you get an owner who does it for the love of it, that’s great. But if a partner wants to make money, good luck. I don’t think that’s working anywhere.”
With decisions looming, Coyne’s focus remains on assembling a competitive team ahead of the upcoming season.
