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Dale Coyne Racing Unveils 2026 IndyCar Lineup: Grosjean and Rookie Hauger
The team aims to build on 2025's flashes of potential with a revamped driver pairing.
Feb. 25, 2026 at 8:55pm
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Dale Coyne Racing enters the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season with a new driver lineup, featuring the return of veteran Romain Grosjean and the addition of rookie Dennis Hauger. The team is hoping to capitalize on Grosjean's experience and Hauger's success in the INDY NXT feeder series to improve on their 2025 campaign that saw flashes of potential but fell short of championship contention.
Why it matters
Dale Coyne Racing is a mid-tier team looking to make a breakthrough in the highly competitive INDYCAR series. The addition of Grosjean, a former Formula 1 driver, and Hauger, the reigning INDY NXT champion, represents a significant shift in the team's driver lineup and could signal their intent to challenge the series' top teams if the new pairing can gel quickly.
The details
Romain Grosjean returns to Dale Coyne Racing, the team he raced for in 2021, where he secured a pole position at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. Joining him is rookie Dennis Hauger, the 2025 INDY NXT champion, who will pilot the No. 19 Ault Block Chain Honda. The team has also made engineering changes, hiring Bill Pappas to work with Grosjean and retaining Michael Cannon to focus on Hauger's car. The partnership between Dale Coyne Racing and Andretti Global for Hauger's entry is expected to provide the rookie with additional resources and expertise.
- The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opener is scheduled for March 1 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
- Hauger dominated the 2025 INDY NXT season, winning 6 races and finishing 72 points ahead of his nearest competitor.
The players
Romain Grosjean
A former Formula 1 driver who previously raced for Dale Coyne Racing in 2021, securing a pole position at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
Dennis Hauger
The reigning champion of the INDY NXT by Firestone series, having won 6 races in 14 starts during the 2025 season.
Bill Pappas
An engineering expert who has been hired to work with Romain Grosjean on the No. 18 car.
Michael Cannon
An engineer who joined Dale Coyne Racing mid-season in 2025 and will now focus on Dennis Hauger's No. 19 entry.
Andretti Global
The team has partnered with Andretti Global to provide resources and expertise for Dennis Hauger's INDYCAR debut.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
The team's success will likely hinge on its ability to integrate Hauger into the series quickly and effectively, while simultaneously maximizing Grosjean's experience and minimizing his inconsistencies.
The takeaway
Dale Coyne Racing's revamped driver lineup of veteran Romain Grosjean and rookie Dennis Hauger represents a significant shift in the team's approach, as they aim to build on the flashes of potential seen in 2025 and challenge the top teams in the highly competitive 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
