Dale Coyne Racing has added Rinus VeeKay to its 2025 IndyCar lineup by acquiring his last remaining vacant seat. The 24-year-old Dutch driver Rinus van Kalmthout underwent months full of doubt when Ed Carpenter Racing released him from the team. The upcoming season begins a new phase for his racing career because he will compete with the team along with Jacob Abel who is a fresh rookie.
Ed Carpenter Racing terminated VeeKay without warning which marked his rapid exit from the team. Team management chose Alexander Rossi over the Dutchman Rinus van Kalmthout after five years at Ed Carpenter Racing which left him without ride possibilities. VeeKay confessed his disappointment by describing his situation as getting “thrown in the garbage.” Across the other teams that finalized their rosters Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Juncos Hollinger Racing Dale Coyne Racing remained as the last available opportunity.
In November VeeKay started testing driver operations at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Dale Coyne Racing. The team acknowledged VeeKay’s remarkable performance and versatility which prompted ongoing discussions before securing him through a contract. News about his unconfirmed driving status leaked at the Singapore Grand Prix weekend which intensified the negotiations between the parties.
VeeKay expresses his great pleasure with achieving his seat despite facing difficulties during negotiations. The sixth season in this fantastic class brings me immense joy because the team already secured my position. He expressed gratitude for his fortunate turn of events after facing an uncertain beginning to his break since he can now end it in such a beautiful way. The positive environment at Dale Coyne Racing and his rapid connection with engineers and mechanics at the team were the points he focused on during the discussion.
A major technical transformation exists when VeeKay transitioned his car from Chevrolet to Honda engine operation. The Honda power system remains a new experience for me since I have had no previous encounters with these engines. The Honda engine delivers remarkable acceleration force and I am excited to use it during street circuit racing. Our testing session at Indianapolis proved successful along with other visits to ovals. The team has great anticipation for starting the new racing season.
After placement as second of Indy Lights VeeKay started his IndyCar racing career during 2020. He achieved his first victory in the Indianapolis road course during 2021. During his career span he achieved three front-row Indianapolis 500 qualifying starts. The racing resume of VeeKay includes two pole positions along with four podium finishes and he achieved his best championship placement of twelfth in 2021 as well as 2022.
VeeKay plans to help Dale Coyne Racing move up the grid by joining their team with new motivation alongside a fresh group. Dale Coyne Racing shows a strong motivation to perform well at the beginning of this year. Dale recruiting Jacob [Abel] represents a quick-natured rookie who performed noteworthy events at the Indy NXT competition in the last season as noted by Dale. Being a ‘young veteran’ with eighty IndyCar race experiences I aim to deliver my greatest possible support to the development Coyne has achieved. Our timing seems perfect as we have met together in our life stages.
The upcoming Sebring IndyCar test marks VeeKay’s debut action while driving for Dale Coyne Racing. VeeKay will participate in his first race of the season on March 2 during the St. Petersburg event to establish himself with Dale Coyne Racing.
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