Dale Coyne Racing Aims for Fresh Start in 2025 IndyCar Season with VeeKay, Abel
Dale Coyne Racing enters the 2025 IndyCar season with significant changes and clear objectives. The team aims to rebuild after a challenging 2024 season that saw multiple driver rotations and the loss of valuable Leaders Circle contracts.
Key Changes for 2025:
- Rinus VeeKay joins as lead driver in the No. 18 Honda
- Rookie Jacob Abel takes over the No. 51 Honda
- New engineering lineup with John Dick and Ed Nathman
IndyCar #51 testing at Sebring
Team Leadership Structure:
- Dale Coyne - Team Owner and No. 18 Race Strategist
- Mitch Davis - Team Manager/Technical Director
- Terry Brown - Special Projects
- Ed Nathman - No. 18 Race Engineer
- John Dick - No. 51 Race Engineer
Primary Objectives:
- Regain Leaders Circle contracts (worth $2.4 million in prize money)
- Secure Rookie of the Year honors with Jacob Abel
- Return to competitive form with podium potential
- Establish stability with new driver-engineer partnerships
Challenges Ahead:
- Limited testing time before season opener
- New driver/engineer combinations need development
- Both drivers must adapt quickly to team dynamics
- Hybrid car learning curve for engineering team
VeeKay's 2024 Stats:
- 13th in championship
- 7 top-10 finishes
- 16/17 races finished
- 15.3 average start position
- 13.7 average finish position
Team owner Dale Coyne remains optimistic, targeting podium finishes with VeeKay while developing Abel's rookie talent. Despite being IndyCar's smallest team, their proven ability to overcome challenges and exceed expectations remains a defining characteristic.
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