Dale Coyne Racing has officially announced the signing of Rinus VeeKay for the 2025 IndyCar season.
The announcement made on February 14, 2025 completes the full-time grid for the season and brings a sense of stability to a team that experienced considerable upheaval in the previous year.
Rinus VeeKay who will pilot the No. 18 Honda joins rookie Jacob Abel in what is expected to be a promising lineup for Dale Coyne Racing as they look to improve their performance after a tumultuous 2024 season.
VeeKay at just 24 years old has already established himself as a formidable competitor in the IndyCar Series. He first burst onto the scene in 2020 with Ed Carpenter Racing, where he quickly made a name for himself by earning Rookie of the Year honors.
The Dutch driver’s career highlights include a memorable victory at the 2021 INDYCAR Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and nine top-five finishes throughout his tenure in the series.
VeeKay’s impressive average starting position of 3.8 in Indy 500 qualifying underscores his potential having achieved three front-row starts in five attempts at the prestigious race.
The decision to sign Rinus VeeKay for 2025 IndyCar season comes after a challenging year for Dale Coyne Racing which saw multiple drivers take turns in the No. 18 entry during the 2024 season.
Team owner Dale Coyne was pleased to confirm the return to full-time drivers, highlighting that stability is crucial for growth and success.
“We are excited about getting back to full-time drivers for 2025,” Coyne stated. “The stability allows us to grow as a team, and that’s important to me.
“For that to be accomplished, having a proven veteran in one of our entries helps tremendously, and that’s one of the many reasons we have decided to go with VeeKay to complete the 2025 grid.”
The signing of Rinus VeeKay fills one of the last remaining open seats in IndyCar for the 2025 season, solidifying his position among a talented field of drivers. His addition is particularly noteworthy given that several capable drivers were still seeking rides as teams finalized their lineups.
VeeKay himself shared the news via social media stating: “Very exciting news! I am happy to announce my partnership with Dale Coyne Racing for the 2025 IndyCar Series season.
“It makes me proud to see my name among the drivers competing in this fantastic series for a sixth consecutive year.”
After facing uncertainty regarding his future following his departure from Ed Carpenter Racing, the young driver is eager to make an impact with his new team.
The partnership between Rinus VeeKay and Dale Coyne Racing is expected to yield positive results as both parties aim for success on the track.
With VeeKay’s experience and proven track record combined with Coyne’s commitment to building a competitive team, fans can anticipate an exciting season ahead.
The duo will kick off their collaboration with a group test at Sebring International Raceway next week, setting the stage for their first race together at the Firestone Grand Prix in St. Petersburg on March 2.
