Editor’s Note: This is another installment in SPEED SPORT’s preview of each NTT IndyCar Series team. To read other team’s previews, click here.
The revolving door of drivers to compete with Dale Coyne Racing continues as the team boasts a fresh driver lineup for the season.
Led by veteran Rinus VeeKay as he embarks on his first year with the team, rookie Jacob Abel also joins the fray as the team looks for stability.
DCR hasn’t won a race since 2018 when Sebastien Bourdais topped the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Ahead of this weekend’s season opener on the streets of St. Petersburg (Fla.), here’s a look at each driver:
Key Losses: Colin Braun (IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship), Jack Harvey (Dreyer & Reinbold Racing)
Key Additions: Rinus VeeKay (Ed Carpenter Racing), Jacob Abel (Indy NXT)
No. 18 — Rinus VeeKay
After five seasons with Ed Carpenter Racing, VeeKay has a new home in Dale Coyne Racing. The Dutch driver brings a combination of youth and experience to DCR.
It’s been four seasons since VeeKay’s first IndyCar Series win, which came on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in 2021. Since then, VeeKay’s been a solid top-15 driver.
Last year, VeeKay finished 13th in the standings with seven top-10 finishes, along with a best finish of fifth in the first of two Iowa Speedway races.
Some forget that VeeKay is only 24 years old and has plenty of potential still to be uncovered.
No. 51 — Jacob Abel
Fresh from IndyCar’s feeder series, Abel brings a winning pedigree to the organization. Last year, Abel won three races and snagged seven additional podiums as he finished second in the Indy NXT standings.
At 23, Abel’s three seasons in Indy NXT may prove to be valuable as he’s had the chance to develop and refine his race craft.
While expectations are relatively low for the Kentucky native, he may surprise at times during the latter part of the season.
