VeeKay Thrives in First Season with Dale Coyne Racing
Rinus VeeKay is making headlines in his inaugural season with Dale Coyne Racing, demonstrating consistently strong performances that have revitalized the team. After spending five years with Ed Carpenter Racing, the 24-year-old Dutch driver is emerging as a formidable competitor in the IndyCar series, propelling the Coyne team back into race-day contention.
In eight races this season, free from crashes and mechanical failures, VeeKay has advanced a total of 65 positions, achieving notable improvements—including a season-best move from 26th to 9th at the Honda Indy 200. This upward trajectory has been facilitated by strategic race calls from his team, requiring precise fuel and tire management alongside aggressive racing tactics. VeeKay’s collaboration with veteran race engineer Michael Cannon has been particularly effective since Detroit, contributing to his sixth top-10 finish of the season, which has catapulted him to 13th in the championship standings.
For context, prior to this resurgence, Dale Coyne Racing struggled significantly in 2024, failing to secure a single top-10 finish across 34 races with multiple drivers. Comparatively, VeeKay’s performances echo the team’s more competitive days in 2019.
VeeKay noted the transformation in team synergy: "We don’t really have the resources that most other guys have, but we really have that team spirit." He emphasized his evolving leadership role within the team, citing moments where he influenced strategy decisions during races. This collaborative environment has fostered a strong team dynamic as they prepare for the upcoming doubleheader at Iowa Speedway.
In the current championship landscape, VeeKay is closely following David Malukas of AJ Foyt Racing and Scott McLaughlin of Team Penske, trailing by eight and 18 points, respectively. The performances have turned heads, with other teams taking note of his achievements with a smaller operation.
"I’m just having a blast," VeeKay stated. "It really feels good to catch some eyes again and be in the spotlight. This is a rebirth for me, and I’m excited for this new chapter with the team."
As VeeKay and Coyne Racing look to maintain their momentum, the next races will be critical in determining their standings and future prospects within the competitive IndyCar landscape.
