While Rinus VeeKay and Dale Coyne Racing may not top many pre-race power rankings, dismissing them would be a mistake
The young Dutch driver’s belief in his ability and his team’s preparation has injected new energy into a storyline that’s easy to overlook.
In a race that thrives on drama, upsets, and unexpected heroes, VeeKay just might be the perfect protagonist.
As the green flag looms over the 2025 Indy 500, all eyes should keep a close watch on car #21 — because if VeeKay’s confidence is any indication, he might be writing one of the month’s best stories.
Rinus Veekay’s journey with Dale Coyne Racing in 2025 is shaping up to be a season of growth, reinvention, and rising confidence.
While the results haven’t yet reached headline territory, the signs are promising. The 24-year-old is learning fast, working hard, and building a foundation that could lead to significant success.
With half the season still to play, Veekay stands on the brink of a breakthrough. If his confidence continues to rise in sync with his performances, it won’t be long before he’s a regular fixture at the front of the grid.
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Rinus VeeKay Voices Optimism Ahead of the 2025 Indy 500
As the motorsport world turns its attention toward the crown jewel of American open-wheel racing — the Indianapolis 500 — Dale Coyne Racing’s Rinus VeeKay is making waves with his bold outlook.1
Following a recent two-day open test at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Dutch driver shared his candid thoughts and high expectations for the upcoming race.
Rinus VeeKay’s transition from Ed Carpenter Racing to Dale Coyne Racing marked a significant shift in his IndyCar career. After five seasons with Carpenter’s team, known for its strong performances at Indianapolis, VeeKay made the unexpected move to a team whose car failed to qualify for last year’s race. Many saw this switch as a step backward, but the Dutchman begs to differ.
On the Pit Pass Indy podcast, VeeKay acknowledged the skepticism but expressed fierce determination to change the narrative. “Now with Dale Coyne Racing, I’m in the car that was bumped last year, so people have the expectations we’re gonna be struggling, but I believe we gonna be very strong this year,” he said.
His conviction points to both his self-belief and the quiet confidence in Dale Coyne Racing’s 2025 preparations.
Embracing the Underdog Mentality
Instead of shying away from the pressure, VeeKay is embracing the underdog tag. The 23-year-old is eager to prove doubters wrong and relishes the opportunity to rewrite the storyline for a team overlooked by many.
“I feel there’s a lot of fun to prove the people wrong,” he added, signaling that he’s motivated by more than just personal success — he wants to elevate his entire team.
Racing fans and pundits often look at the previous year’s performance as a gauge of expectations. But the Dutchman believes in the evolution that Dale Coyne Racing has undergone in the offseason, both technically and strategically.
The 2025 IndyCar season is already three races deep, and VeeKay currently occupies 16th place in the championship standings with 46 points — a less-than-ideal start by many standards.
However, given the long and varied nature of the IndyCar calendar, there is still ample time for VeeKay and Dale Coyne Racing to make significant strides.
His single top-ten finish this season offers a glimmer of hope. While not yet a breakout performance, it’s a sign that the foundation is there, and the pieces could come together when it matters most — at the Indy 500.
Rinus Veekay: Lessons from the Open Test
The open test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway gave all teams the chance to evaluate their setups and performance on the famous 2.5-mile oval.2
For VeeKay, this was more than just preparation — it was a statement of intent. Reports from the paddock indicated that the Dale Coyne cars showed improved stability and consistent pace, even if headline times weren’t the fastest.
VeeKay’s demeanor during and after the test was upbeat, suggesting that the car’s balance and response gave him confidence for the grueling 200-lap event.
Indy is a place where mental readiness and trust in machinery are just as critical as outright speed, and early indications are that VeeKay is satisfied on both fronts.
Experience at the Brickyard
Although just 23, VeeKay is no stranger to the Indianapolis 500. Since his rookie year in 2020, he’s developed a deep connection with the race and the track.
In 2021, he qualified on the front row and finished in the top ten, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level in the sport’s biggest race.
His experience with Ed Carpenter Racing — a team renowned for its Indy 500 expertise — means VeeKay knows what a good car feels like at the Speedway. That experience could be vital in helping Dale Coyne Racing develop a more competitive package this year.
Rinus Veekay: The Psychology of Proving Critics Wrong
One of the most intriguing aspects of VeeKay’s comments is his mindset. Rather than being daunted by criticism, he appears galvanized by it.3
For athletes, especially in motorsports, confidence can often be the difference between good and great. VeeKay’s insistence that he enjoys “proving people wrong” suggests he is channeling external doubt into internal motivation.
Such a mindset could serve him well, especially during the high-pressure month of May, where media, fans, and teams scrutinize every decision and lap. If VeeKay turns that pressure into performance, it could be the mental edge he needs.
The Role of Team Chemistry and Communication
Adjusting to a new team is never easy in a series as competitive as IndyCar. But VeeKay’s integration into Dale Coyne Racing appears to be progressing smoothly.
Sources close to the team suggest that the chemistry between the driver and engineers has developed rapidly, aided by VeeKay’s open communication style and feedback skills.
Good communication between driver and team is vital at Indianapolis, where weather, track conditions, and strategy must constantly be adapted throughout practice, qualifying, and race day.
VeeKay’s prior experience combined with a willing and collaborative crew could make for a surprisingly effective formula.
Indy Open Test is done! Lots of traffic running today and even got a taste of the qualifying boost. Feeling confident and ready for the Month of May! pic.twitter.com/L0o9ThgPzT
— Rinus VeeKay (@rinusveekay) April 24, 2025
Qualifying: The First Hurdle
Before even dreaming of drinking milk in Victory Lane, VeeKay and his team will need to navigate qualifying — something Dale Coyne Racing failed to do in 2024.
Last year’s bump-day heartbreak remains fresh in the team’s memory, and returning stronger in qualifying will be a critical psychological and practical milestone.
VeeKay’s performance in qualifying will be one of the biggest indicators of the team’s true progress. A strong starting position can often determine the tone of race day, particularly in a race where track position and pit stop timing are everything.
The Bigger Picture: Career Resurrection?
For Rinus VeeKay, a strong showing in the 2025 Indy 500 could be a defining moment in his career.
After an up-and-down tenure with Ed Carpenter Racing that saw flashes of brilliance but no sustained challenge for the championship, a podium — or even a win — at Indy would instantly reestablish him as one of the top young talents in the series.
Moreover, success at the Speedway often opens doors beyond the current team. Whether it leads to more support within Dale Coyne Racing or interest from bigger-budget operations, VeeKay understands the stakes.
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Rinus Veekay’s Confidence Reaches New Heights at Dale Coyne Racing
Rinus Veekay is quietly laying the groundwork for a breakthrough season in IndyCar.
The 24-year-old Dutch driver, who made the switch to Dale Coyne Racing ahead of the 2025 season, recently opened up on the Pit Pass Indy podcast about his steady progression, his team dynamics, and his ambitions for the rest of the campaign.
While his focus remains squarely on performance, it’s the growing synergy between driver and team that could prove decisive in pushing Veekay toward the upper echelons of the grid.
A New Beginning: Transitioning to Dale Coyne Racing
Joining a new team in any motorsport discipline is no small task. Veekay, after years with Ed Carpenter Racing, made the leap to Dale Coyne Racing in what many viewed as a bold yet calculated move.
The change has given the Dutchman a fresh environment, new engineers to communicate with, and a different car philosophy to adapt to.
“I think we are just getting to know each other, and getting better every time we are out on the track,” Veekay shared on the podcast.
This mutual adaptation period is essential, and Veekay’s tone suggests the relationship is progressing smoothly. His comfort is increasing, and so is his speed—both crucial for success in the demanding world of IndyCar.
Building Trust and Rhythm on the Track
In motorsports, building confidence isn’t merely about raw pace—it’s about cohesion between driver and machine.
At Dale Coyne Racing, Veekay appears to be finding that rhythm. Though his 2025 campaign started slowly, the young driver’s performances have been trending upward as the season unfolds.
“My confidence is building,” he emphasized. “It’s hard work definitely, but I think we’re getting somewhere.” For a driver still early in his career, such self-awareness and patience speak volumes.
Veekay understands that peak performance comes not just from talent but from trust—in the car, in the setup, and in the team.
2024 in Review: A Steady Season with Signs of Growth
Before looking ahead to what 2025 might bring, it’s worth reflecting on Veekay’s 2024 campaign. Driving for Ed Carpenter Racing, he wrapped up the season 13th in the championship standings. While not headline-grabbing, it was a solid effort in a tightly packed field.
With 300 points accumulated, including one top-five and seven top-ten finishes, Veekay proved he could consistently stay in the mix.
These results laid a stable foundation for his move to Dale Coyne Racing and hinted at untapped potential waiting to be unlocked in a new setting.
Rinus Veekay: Eyeing the 2025 Indy 500
Beyond the regular season, Veekay also shared his thoughts on the iconic Indy 500. Though the race is still months away, preparation for it is year-round, and Veekay knows the importance of peaking at the right time.
“The 500 is the big one, obviously,” he acknowledged. “We’re already thinking about what we can do differently this time.”
Veekay has shown flashes of brilliance at the Brickyard before, and a strong showing there in 2025 would solidify his reputation as one of IndyCar’s elite talents.
Learning From the Best
Being part of the IndyCar paddock means rubbing shoulders with the likes of Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, and Will Power. For Veekay, these drivers aren’t just competitors—they’re benchmarks.
He frequently studies their styles, strategies, and setups to better his own performance. “You can’t copy them,” Veekay said, “but you can definitely learn from them.” This student-of-the-game mentality is one reason many believe he has the tools to become a future champion.
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Growing Fanbase and Marketability
As his confidence and performance grow, so too does his fanbase. Veekay is quickly becoming one of the more marketable young drivers in the series.
His European roots combined with his American racing success create a compelling narrative that appeals to global fans.
Sponsors and teams notice these things. A strong second half of the 2025 season could lead to even bigger opportunities, both on and off the track. Veekay seems poised to embrace that spotlight.
The Road Ahead: Key Races to Watch
Looking forward, Veekay will have several circuits that could play to his strengths. Tracks like Road America, Portland, and Mid-Ohio historically reward drivers who can manage tire wear and extract consistent lap times—areas where Veekay excels.
Performances at these venues will likely determine whether he can fulfill his goal of finishing inside the top ten by season’s end. For now, the focus remains on short-term execution and long-term gains.
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