Firestone Grand Prix Of St. Petersburg Saturday Notebook

Dale Coyne Racing surprises with strong performance from INDY NXT champion Dennis Hauger

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:07am

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Despite low expectations heading into the offseason, Dale Coyne Racing has emerged as a surprise contender at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, thanks in large part to a strong performance from 2025 INDY NXT By Firestone Champion Dennis Hauger.

Why it matters

Dale Coyne Racing has historically been an underdog team in the IndyCar Series, often struggling to compete with the sport's top organizations. Hauger's success this weekend could signal a shift in the team's fortunes and its ability to develop young talent.

The details

Hauger, who won the 2025 INDY NXT By Firestone championship, has impressed in his IndyCar debut, posting competitive lap times and challenging the series' established stars. The young Norwegian driver's performance has caught many by surprise, as Dale Coyne Racing was not expected to be a factor in the season-opening race.

  • The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is taking place on March 1, 2026.

The players

Dennis Hauger

The 2025 INDY NXT By Firestone champion, making his IndyCar Series debut with Dale Coyne Racing.

Dale Coyne Racing

An IndyCar Series team that has historically been an underdog, but is now surprising with a strong performance from its young driver, Dennis Hauger.

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What they’re saying

“For much of the offseason, Dale Coyne Racing wasn't given much of a chance of being competitive.”

— --Ea-Color-Main, Author

The takeaway

Dale Coyne Racing's strong showing at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, led by the impressive debut of INDY NXT champion Dennis Hauger, could signal a shift in the team's fortunes and its ability to develop young talent in the IndyCar Series.