Grosjean Joins Dale Coyne Racing for 2026 IndyCar Season
Indianapolis, IN – February 25, 2026 – Romain Grosjean is returning to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, joining Dale Coyne Racing for the 2026 season alongside rookie Dennis Hauger. Grosjean previously competed in the series from 2021-2024 and will drive the No. 18 BMax Honda. Hauger, the 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone champion, will pilot the No. 19 Ault Block Chain Honda.
The team is bolstered by experienced engineers Bill Pappas and Michael Cannon. Even as Grosjean didn’t race in the series last year, he competed in five IMSA sports car races with Lamborghini. Hauger impressed in INDY NXT, consistently qualifying at the front of the field, never starting a race lower than third. The season kicks off March 1st with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Grosjean Returns to Dale Coyne Racing, Hauger Poised for INDYCAR Debut
Romain Grosjean is making a return to Dale Coyne Racing for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, marking a reunion with the team that welcomed him to the series in 2021. This move signifies a full-circle moment for the veteran driver, who will pilot the No. 18 BMax Honda.
A Familiar Face Back in the Driver’s Seat
Previously, Grosjean competed for Dale Coyne Racing in 2021, securing his first career NTT P1 Award and achieving two podium finishes. Following his initial stint, he moved to Andretti Global for the 2022-2023 seasons and then Juncos Hollinger Racing in 2024. Now, he’s back with DCR, bringing a wealth of experience to the team.
Grosjean’s return coincides with a new partnership for Dale Coyne Racing with global financial brands OnlyBulls and Bitcoin MAX. Grosjean has also been named the first global brand ambassador for Bitcoin MAX, showcasing the growing intersection of sports and cryptocurrency.
Rookie Hauger Joins the Team
Joining Grosjean at Dale Coyne Racing is rookie Dennis Hauger, the 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone champion. Hauger will drive the No. 19 Ault Block Chain Honda, bringing a promising future to the team. He dominated the INDY NXT series, winning six of the 14 races and securing the championship by a significant 72-point margin over Caio Collet.
Did you grasp? Hauger consistently impressed in qualifying during his INDY NXT career, starting on the front row for the first 11 races of the season and never starting lower than third.
Engineering Strength Behind the Wheel
Dale Coyne Racing has bolstered its engineering team with key hires, including Bill Pappas, who will function with Grosjean, and Michael Cannon, who will support Hauger. This engineering depth, alongside Mitch Davis and Mike Colliver, is expected to be a significant asset, particularly at the Indianapolis 500.
2025 Team Performance: A Look Back
In 2025, Dale Coyne Racing featured Rinus VeeKay and Jacob Abel. VeeKay demonstrated strong performance, achieving a ninth-place finish in St. Petersburg and a fourth-place result at Barber Motorsports Park. He ultimately finished 14th in the standings with seven top-10 finishes and led 19 laps throughout the season. Abel faced challenges in his rookie season, with an 11th-place finish in the Iowa Speedway doubleheader being his best result.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Season
The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season is set to begin on Sunday, March 1, with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The race will be broadcast on FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes, the FOX Sports app, and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
FAQ
Q: What number car will Romain Grosjean be driving?
A: He will be driving the No. 18 BMax Honda.
Q: Who is Dennis Hauger?
A: He is the 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone champion and a rookie in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
Q: What was Rinus VeeKay’s best finish in 2025?
A: His best finish was second place at the Toronto race.
Pro Tip: Preserve an eye on Dennis Hauger’s qualifying performance. His consistent front-row starts in INDY NXT suggest he has the potential to quickly adapt to the INDYCAR qualifying format.
Don’t miss out on the action as Grosjean and Hauger embark on their 2026 INDYCAR journey with Dale Coyne Racing. Stay tuned for more updates and race coverage throughout the season.
What are your predictions for Grosjean and Hauger this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!