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With an unimpressive performance in the latest season, it'll be interesting to see the kind of talent, possibly Romain Grosjean, that Dale Coyne Racing can attract. Juncos Hollinger Racing has confirmed Sting Ray Robb as its driver for the 2025 IndyCar lineup. This leaves DCR as the only team yet to confirm a single driver for the upcoming season.
The #51 and #18 DCR entrants missed the Leader’s Circle cutoff scoring only 165 and 154 points respectively over the 2024 season. The team didn't have a full-time driver for the 2024 season and failed to get on the podium even once. Nonetheless, with the 2025 season driver confirmations, DCR can pick from a list of experienced drivers.
With that in mind, let's look at the top three drivers that Dale Coyne Racing could sign ahead of the upcoming IndyCar season
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#3 Rinus VeeKay
The Dutchman parted ways with Ed Carpenter Racing following the 2024 IndyCar season after a successful five-year stint. During his time with ECR, VeeKay showcased incredible pace and even won a race at the Grand Prix of Indianapolis. However, the 24-year-old struggled during the last couple of seasons. During the 2023 and 2024 seasons, VeeKay didn't score a single podium and just one top-five result.
Regardless, in October, VeeKay tested with DCR at the IMS test. Although the Dutchman initially struggled with the balance, he was content with it towards the end of the session courtesy of the minor changes asked of him. Speaking with IndyCar.com, he said:
“I might have created an opportunity.”
VeeKay ended the session as the third-fastest driver, with only Alex Palou and Josef Newgarden ahead.
#2 Linus Lundqvist
The Swedish driver made a name for himself in American open-wheel racing's ladder series. He dominated the Formula Regional Americas Championship and Indy Lights before moving to the IndyCar series. Unfortunately, Chip Ganassi Racing booted him after deciding to downsize from five to three cars for the upcoming season. The 25-year-old got on the podium a couple of times during the 2024 season finishing 16th in the standing with 279 points.
Lundqvist highlighted his raw pace at moments. With just over one season under his belt, he will only improve in the upcoming seasons. He'll be a great pick if DCR wants someone young with junior Indy experience to back it up.
#1 Romain Grosjean
The Frenchman will drive for JHR in 2024 and is still arguably under consideration for a seat on the team in 2025. However, with other options available for JHR, Romain Grosjean is up for grabs.
The former F1 driver was allowed to drive for Dale Coyne Racing in 2021 following his major crash during the 2020 F1 season. The Frenchman did well in his first season in IndyCar with three podiums in 14 races. Given his previous relationship with the team, and JHR’s hesitation to re-sign him, Grosjean can very well end up being the number-one pick for DCR.
