VeeKay Thrives with Dale Coyne Racing at Barber Motorsports Park
Rinus VeeKay showcased a remarkable performance at Barber Motorsports Park, converting a fifth-place start into a fourth-place finish, marking a significant step forward in his partnership with Dale Coyne Racing. This season, Coyne’s team, after struggling in the previous year, appears rejuvenated, a sentiment echoed by VeeKay’s own reflections on the challenges and surprises of working within a smaller operation.
“Small means surprises,” VeeKay noted after the race, highlighting the unpredictability inherent in a less established team. His thrilling run at Barber included a commendable strategy, where his team kept him out longer during the first pit sequence, allowing him to gain critical track position when the rest of the field pitted.
VeeKay’s race engineer, Ed Nathmann, who returned to IndyCar after a lengthy absence, joined forces with the 24-year-old just two weeks before the season commenced. Their chemistry has quickly developed, indicating a promising future for the combination. The duo qualified for the Firestone Fast 12 and secured a ninth-place finish at St. Petersburg earlier this year.
The young Dutchman’s growing leadership within the team is evident. “I’m starting to get more comfortable at really having a stronger voice in the team,” he stated, crediting the supportive environment at Dale Coyne Racing for enabling him to execute his strategies effectively.
With his championship standing now at 12th, VeeKay is looking ahead with optimism. His performance at Barber signals potential for future successes, particularly at the Indianapolis road course where he has historically excelled. “What works in Barber works pretty well there,” he said, expressing confidence as he prepares for the iconic Indy 500.
As the month of May approaches, VeeKay is eager to harness new developments from Honda, which he praised for its improved drivability compared to past experiences with Chevrolet. With this renewed spirit and strategic insight, VeeKay is poised to make his mark in the upcoming races.
