Rinus VeeKay Returns to Juncos Hollinger Racing for the 2026 IndyCar Season
Rinus VeeKay, the talented Dutch driver, is set to embark on a new chapter in his racing career as he takes on the role of the lead driver at Juncos Hollinger Racing for the 2026 IndyCar season. This exciting announcement marks VeeKay’s return to the team that played a crucial role in launching his career. In 2018, he clinched the USF Pro 2000 championship with Juncos and followed it up with a second-place finish in the Indy NXT series the following year. After a successful stint, VeeKay advanced to the top tier of IndyCar racing.
In this new partnership, VeeKay will also be reuniting with Chevrolet, the manufacturer he raced for during the first five seasons of his career with Ed Carpenter Racing. His recent transition to Dale Coyne Racing in 2025, where he competed with Honda engines, saw him finishing the championship in 14th place after several noteworthy performances. The official announcement from Juncos Hollinger Racing confirmed that VeeKay’s contract is exclusively for the 2026 season, with no mention of a multi-year deal.
VeeKay expressed his excitement about joining Juncos Hollinger Racing, stating, “I am thrilled to officially announce my move to Juncos Hollinger Racing. This is a team with significant momentum, high ambitions, and a clear vision for the future. There’s a shared determination to compete at the highest level, and I am confident that together we will achieve great results.”
His return to Juncos is akin to coming back home, as he first began his journey in Pro Mazda, now known as USF Pro 2000, with the team in 2018. He continued with Juncos in 2019 for the Indy Lights series, where they celebrated 13 victories together and captured a championship title. “I believe this is the right environment for me to continue evolving as a driver,” he added.
This move represents a strategic decision for VeeKay, as he takes over the car that Conor Daly drove to an 18th place championship finish in 2025. He now becomes the fourth notable driver to join the team in four seasons, following Callum Ilott (2021–2023), Romain Grosjean (2024), and Conor Daly (2025). While VeeKay embarks on this new journey, he remains open to the opportunities that may arise for the 2027 season, considering several top-tier teams—such as Andretti Global, Arrow McLaren, Chip Ganassi Racing, and Meyer Shank Racing—might have openings for the next cycle. If VeeKay performs well, he may choose to stay with Juncos Hollinger Racing or seek a position with a championship-contending team.
Currently, the team is led by technical director Dave O’Neill, who has been instrumental in the team’s evolution in both structure and engineering. However, translating this growth into consistent championship results has proven to be a challenge. Frequent changes in drivers have hindered continuity within the team, and aside from Daly’s commendable performances on oval tracks, the team’s overall results in 2025 were modest.
One of the team’s primary objectives moving forward is to enhance their performance on road and street courses, areas where VeeKay has substantial experience. His expertise could be pivotal in helping Juncos Hollinger Racing move up from the lower half of the grid. O’Neill commented, “At Juncos Hollinger Racing, we are fully focused on building a program capable of sustained performance in the coming years. We have exciting plans in place for all aspects of the team—both on and off the track—and bringing Rinus on board is an important step in that direction. Reuniting with him is a natural continuation of the success we shared in the past. As we enter our fifth full season in IndyCar, with Rinus bringing six years of experience at just 25 years old, we are confident this reunion will yield quick results. He possesses speed, consistency, skill, and maturity—exactly what we are looking for.”
O’Neill also hinted at a “renewed driver lineup” but did not disclose who would be partnering with VeeKay. Although Conor Daly was not mentioned in the announcement, Sting Ray Robb, who raced for the team in 2025, was seen in the pits during a recent test session in Indianapolis. James Roe was testing for Juncos Hollinger Racing, and VeeKay was present to observe the track activities. According to Robb’s agent, Pieter Rossi, the Idaho driver has a two-year contract with the team, suggesting that, barring any changes, he is likely to team up with VeeKay for the 2026 season, both driving Chevrolet cars.
Juncos Hollinger Racing is working diligently to establish itself as a competitive force in the IndyCar series. With new talent like VeeKay joining the team, alongside their ambitious plans for development, the organization aims to build a strong foundation for future success. The return of a familiar face like VeeKay could be the catalyst needed to elevate the team’s performance and consistency on the track.
As the 2026 season approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how VeeKay’s return will impact Juncos Hollinger Racing. The combination of his previous success with the team and his growth as a driver in the IndyCar series will undoubtedly contribute to the team’s aspirations for improved results. The anticipation surrounding this new partnership reflects the hopes of both the driver and the organization, as they look to carve out a successful path in the competitive landscape of IndyCar racing.
The journey ahead for VeeKay and Juncos Hollinger Racing is filled with potential. With a solid plan in place and a commitment to excellence, the team is poised to take on the challenges of the upcoming season. As they work together to hone their skills and refine their strategies, the focus will be on achieving the best possible outcomes in races, securing valuable points, and ultimately striving for championship contention.
With the experience that VeeKay brings to the table, fans can expect to see exciting performances that reflect his dedication and passion for racing. The combination of his enthusiasm and the team’s ambition could lead to a fruitful collaboration that not only benefits Juncos Hollinger Racing but also adds to the overall excitement of the IndyCar series.
As the season progresses, it will be crucial for VeeKay to establish a strong rapport with his new team and adapt to the dynamics of the racing environment. Building effective communication and trust with his engineers and crew will play a vital role in maximizing performance on the track. The return to Juncos, a team he knows well, should facilitate a smoother transition as he works to integrate his racing style with the team’s objectives.
The upcoming season will also present unique challenges, including navigating the diverse range of tracks and conditions that IndyCar offers. VeeKay’s prior experience racing in various environments will be an asset as he tackles different circuits, learning to adapt and refine his approach to each race. This versatility will be essential for achieving consistency across the season, as teams strive to accumulate points and secure favorable standings in the championship.
Furthermore, the competitive nature of IndyCar means that every race presents an opportunity for growth and learning. VeeKay will need to remain focused and resilient, using each experience to enhance his skills and contribute to the team’s overall performance. The support from his team, combined with his determination, will be key factors in navigating the highs and lows of the season.
As fans eagerly await the start of the 2026 IndyCar season, the narrative surrounding VeeKay and Juncos Hollinger Racing adds an exciting layer to the unfolding story of the championship. With a blend of talent, ambition, and a shared vision for success, the team is ready to make its mark in the competitive world of IndyCar racing.
In summary, Rinus VeeKay’s return to Juncos Hollinger Racing for the 2026 season signifies a promising new chapter in his racing career. Combining his past achievements with the team’s aspirations for growth and success, this partnership is poised to make waves in the IndyCar series. As they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, both VeeKay and Juncos Hollinger Racing are set to embark on a journey filled with potential and excitement.
