Dale Coyne Racing driver Rinus VeeKay delivered a remarkable performance at the recent Xpel Grand Prix held at Road America, moving up from 22nd on the grid to finish 10th amid a turbulent race. The 24-year-old Dutch driver, behind the wheel of the #18 Honda-powered car, demonstrated resilience and skill despite facing multiple challenges during the event.
Throughout the race, VeeKay encountered a chaotic environment, including collisions and on-track incidents. Despite these obstacles and receiving three penalties—one of which was for contact with fellow driver Graham Rahal that cost him three positions—he maintained competitive pace and secured a solid top-10 finish.
“Another top 10, up 12 positions from the start, another good weekend,” VeeKay said. “This was a messy one with a lot of cars going off, I was in the mayhem as well; I got hit one time by someone and lost a few positions. We had some incredible pace on a big fuel save. The guys on the stand gave me the perfect number and I had the perfect car to hit that number and have good pace. Really good job. We have had top-10 pace at every race but one. That’s really promising heading into the crazy month of July.” —Rinus VeeKay, Dale Coyne Racing driver
A Season of Growth and Unexpected Opportunities
VeeKay’s 2025 campaign has been marked by significant progress, especially considering his late signing with Dale Coyne Racing just days before preseason testing began. After his release from Ed Carpenter Racing at the end of last season, the move to the ‘smallest team’ in IndyCar has proved beneficial for the young driver’s development.
One of VeeKay’s standout achievements this season came at Barber Motorsports Park, where he recorded a career-best finish of fourth place. This performance underscored his growing consistency and speed, establishing him as a key competitor despite the team’s comparatively limited resources.
Driving for the Underdog: VeeKay’s Perspective on Dale Coyne Racing
Speaking openly about his experience with Dale Coyne Racing, VeeKay shared insights on what it means to compete for a team considered the smallest in the series. Despite the modest budget and fewer resources compared to larger teams, the driver emphasized the importance of teamwork, approach, and determination.
“I would say there’s definitely a lot of chatter around me now in the season. This team really allows me to show my capabilities. Without a question, Dale Coyne Racing is the smallest team in the paddock with the least resources, but whatever other teams are spending we are beating them. I think this just shows that the right approach goes above anything else. I’m doing well, that’s the most important thing, but also for Dale everybody’s happy that results are coming,” —Rinus VeeKay, Dale Coyne Racing driver
Since his debut in IndyCar in 2020, VeeKay has steadily built a reputation as a competitive and resilient driver. His breakthrough came with a victory at the 2021 GMR Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which highlighted his raw talent. However, his career progression faced setbacks due to a cycling accident that ended his second season prematurely after a serious collarbone injury.
Looking Ahead: VeeKay’s Prospects in IndyCar’s Competitive Landscape
Rinus VeeKay’s performances through the early part of the 2025 season, especially at events like Road America and Barber Motorsports Park, demonstrate not only his driving ability but also the strength of his partnership with Dale Coyne Racing. The driver’s persistence in overcoming penalties and race chaos illustrates a promising trajectory as the season advances.
As VeeKay continues to contend with established veterans and emerging talents on the IndyCar circuit, his capacity to maximize results with a smaller team could influence broader perceptions of resource allocation and strategy in the sport. The coming months, including a challenging race calendar in July, will be crucial in defining both his and Dale Coyne Racing’s standing within this highly competitive series.
