Written by Jake O’Callaghan, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
One of the biggest question marks in IndyCar over the last couple of months has been the driver lineup for Dale Coyne Racing (DCR).
While every other team had finalised their lineups by mid-January, DCR kept the fans waiting. They were also not present at IndyCar media day back in January, adding to the confusion.
However, with just three days to go until the IndyCar season gets underway, DCR have finally announced their duo. Jack Harvey and Colin Braun will pilot the No.18 and No.51 Hondas on the city streets of Saint Petersburg, Florida.
Jack Harvey
Jack Harvey returns to IndyCar after a difficult and disappointing two years at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL). While his teammates were competing for poles and wins in points throughout 2022 and 2023, Harvey’s best finish was a 10th place in Nashville in 2022. Despite this frustrating spell, it is important not to overlook the skill Harvey does possess.
During his time at Meyer Shank Racing, he recorded vastly better results, the best of which being a podium at the Indianapolis Road Course in 2019. His skill is undeniable, and Harvey just needs the right environment to flourish, and he will be hoping that environment is at Dale Coyne Racing.
Harvey was thrilled to receive an opportunity in 2024, stating his love for St Pete’s, and the excitement to kick off his season at one of his favourite locations:
“I’m thrilled to join Dale Coyne Racing for this season. I want to thank Dale, INVST and many other supporters for giving me this opportunity to return to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and continue this journey. St Pete has always been a city, and circuit, that I have loved and it’s great to have the opportunity to start this new chapter at one of my favourite events.”
Colin Braun
For fans of sportscar racing, the name Colin Braun is a familiar one. A three-time IMSA champion, and three class wins at the Daytona 24, including the overall win in 2023. Braun is a proven champion, and despite no prior IndyCar starts, his wealth of experience is a massive asset for the DCR team.
Braun is also an experienced NASCAR driver, with 84 starts recorded between 2007 and 2011 in the Xfinity and Truck Series. The highlight of this foray came when he won the 2009 Truck race at Michigan Superspeedway.
This depth of oval experience will be incredibly valuable for the team, with numerous oval races dotting this year’s IndyCar calendar. At 35, Braun is relatively old for an IndyCar debutant, but if anyone can hit the ground running in an unfamiliar series, it is him.
Braun is currently only contracted for the opening races at St. Pete and The Thermal Club, however the team has stated that he hopes to complete more races for the team later this year.
Braun was ever grateful to team owner Dale Coyne, stating his excitement, and ‘being pumped’ to get underway in 2024:
“I’m so pumped about doing my first two NTT INDYCAR SERIES races at St. Petersburg and Thermal Club with Dale Coyne Racing with RWR. I want to give a huge thank you to Dale. What an opportunity he gave me last week to get a taste of the Indy car in Sebring. It was so fun to drive.
“The folks at Honda and HRC also made me feel right at home. I can’t wait to get going in St. Pete. It’s a place I haven’t been to in a little bit so we’re definitely jumping off into the deep end but I’m looking forward to getting going on the street course, continuing to work with the team, a great group of people there, and I couldn’t be more excited and ready to get going on this challenge. It’s going to be a blast.”
The team also announced that last year’s Indy NXT Rookie of the Year Nolan Siegel will share driving duties of the No.18 this year, the 19-year old will take part in four events, beginning with The Thermal Club.
Harvey and Braun were the duo who took to the track in testing last week at Sebring, turning over 161 laps during the two-day test. This announcement comes after weeks of speculation, however various factors have eliminated contenders for the DCR seats one-by-one, with Harvey and Braun’s experience being brought in to help guide the team towards a more competitive showing in 2024.