Rinus van Kalmthout’s persistence and efforts behind the scenes have been rewarded: the 24-year-old Dutchman has locked in a sixth season within the IndyCar Collection with Dale Coyne Racing. It has been an unsure few months for the person higher generally known as Rinus VeeKay, after former employer Ed Carpenter Racing launched the motive force, signing Alexander Rossi in his place. After 5 years of service, VeeKay was, in his personal phrases, “thrown within the rubbish.”
Moreover the style, the timing additionally proved unlucky. The information about van Kalmthout’s contract slipped out in late September, through the Singapore System One Grand Prix, and put strain on the motive force to discover a new dwelling as a result of most IndyCar groups had already locked of their 2025 lineups by then. Juncos, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and Dayle Coyne have been, on paper, the one, remaining choices.
After RLL accomplished it driver lineup and Juncos finalized offers with VeeKay’s former teammate Conor Daly and Sting Ray Robb, the one possibility left was Dale Coyne. VeeKay accomplished an oval check at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, after which talks in regards to the seat within the #18 automobile continued. With solely a bit greater than two weeks earlier than the IndyCar season opener in St. Petersburg, VeeKay’s contract with Dale Coyne was finalized.
Completely different group, completely different engine
“I’m very glad to be assured of a sixth season on this fantastic class. After an unsure begin to my winter break, I’m grateful to have the ability to finish it on this stunning means,” VeeKay mentioned. “The check with Coyne in November already gave me plenty of hope, but it surely’s fantastic to lastly have the ability to say it. For me, it was instantly clear that I needed to get in with Dale. He has been doing this for a really very long time and has an excellent outlook. Moreover, it felt like coming dwelling. After the primary laps I may talk simply with each the engineers and the mechanics. For Dale to grant me this chance, I’m sincerely very grateful for that.”
After 5 years driving a Chevrolet, Van Kalmthout will now compete for the primary time with a Honda engine in America’s highest single-seater collection.
“Driving with Coyne additionally means working with a special energy supply,” mentioned VeeKay. “I clearly have not raced with Honda energy earlier than. From what I’ve skilled lately, the Honda engine has fairly a little bit of acceleration energy, so I am actually trying ahead to racing on avenue circuits. Nevertheless, our oval check in Indianapolis additionally went fairly properly. We’re subsequently keen to start out the brand new season.”
VeeKay made his IndyCar debut in 2020 after ending second in Indy Lights the earlier 12 months. The 2021 season introduced his first (and to date, solely) victory, on the highway course at Indianapolis. On the famed Brickyard, van Kalmthout has managed to qualify on the entrance row thrice. He additionally has two pole positions and 4 podium finishes to his identify, along with his highest championship end being twelfth, twice — in 2021 and 2022.
Meaning he’ll be chasing “I do know Dale Coyne Racing may be very motivated to return out robust this 12 months. With Jacob [Abel], Dale has recruited a quick rookie who confirmed nice issues within the Indy NXT final 12 months,” VeeKay mentioned. Abel, the Indy NXT runner-up in 2024, shall be Van Kalmthout’s teammate within the #51 automobile this 12 months. “My objective, as a ‘younger veteran,’ with 80 IndyCar races behind my identify, is to make a most contribution to the trail Coyne has taken. I really feel we’ve got met on the proper time in our lives.”
Subsequent week, VeeKay will take part within the IndyCar testing on the Sebring circuit with Dale Coyne Racing. The collection’ season begins March 2 at St. Petersburg.
On this article
Ronald Vording
IndyCar
Rinus VeeKay
Dale Coyne Racing
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