Hauger steps up to IndyCar after winning the Indy NXT championship in his rookie season
Dale Coyne Racing has confirmed that reigning Indy NXT champion Dennis Hauger will graduate to the IndyCar Series in 2026, driving one of the team’s Honda-powered cars. The announcement also included news of a newly formed technical partnership between Dale Coyne Racing and Andretti Global, which will come into effect next season.
Hauger, 22, joins IndyCar after an outstanding rookie campaign in Indy NXT, where he dominated the 2025 season driving for Andretti Global. The Norwegian scored six victories, five additional podium finishes, seven pole positions and 13 top-10 results across 14 races, allowing him to clinch the title with one round to spare at Milwaukee.
Hauger's background
Hauger
It marks a strong start to Hauger’s career in American racing. He began karting at the age of five in his native Norway before moving on to the international stage by the age of 10. After collecting numerous titles and podiums, he transitioned to single-seaters in 2018 in the British F4 Championship, the same year he became a Red Bull Junior Driver.
In 2019, Hauger captured the Italian F4 title and finished runner-up in ADAC Formula 4. He progressed to FIA Formula 3 in 2020, going on to win the championship a year later. Between 2022 and 2024, Hauger competed in FIA Formula 2, securing five wins and 13 podiums. During this period, he remained part of the Red Bull Junior program and served as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing in Formula 1 during the 2023 season, before parting ways with the organization at the end of that year.
Hauger will get his first laps in IndyCar machinery during offseason testing at Mid-Ohio later this year, before making his race debut at the 2026 season opener on the streets of St. Petersburg, scheduled for March 1.
“This is a great opportunity for us here at DCR to bring on a talented driver and gain a strong technical partner in Andretti Global,” said team owner Dale Coyne. “Thanks to Dan and his belief in our sport and his dedication to elevating Dennis to the top of the ladder.”
Hauger added: “I’m excited to be joining Dale Coyne Racing for my rookie IndyCar season. The progress the team has shown this year is really impressive, and it’s an honor to take my place on the grid with them in 2026.
“It’ll also be nice to see some familiar faces through the team’s technical partnership with Andretti Global. They’ve been a big part of my success since making the switch, so having their involvement in another rookie season for me will be great. I’m looking forward to contributing and starting this next chapter together.”
Dale Coyne Racing competed with Rinus VeeKay and Jacob Abel during the 2025 IndyCar season. VeeKay finished 14th in the final championship standings, with a second place in Toronto as his best result. Abel endured a difficult rookie campaign, finishing 27th overall, last among the full-time drivers.
While both drivers are exploring opportunities outside DCR, the team expects to announce its second driver for 2026 within the next month.
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Category: General Sports
