Rinus VeeKay Bio
Rinus van Kalmthout, known professionally as Rinus VeeKay, is a Dutch racing driver born on September 11, 2000, in Hoofddorp, Netherlands. He competes in the IndyCar Series and is set to drive for Juncos Hollinger Racing in 2026. VeeKay previously raced for Ed Carpenter Racing from 2020 to 2024 and Dale Coyne Racing in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Born in Hoofddorp, Netherlands, Rinus van Kalmthout began karting at the age of eight in 2009. He quickly showed promise by winning races in the 4-stroke cadet championship and finishing second overall. Over the next several years, he won multiple Dutch and Benelux karting championships, including the Dutch and Benelux Briggs & Stratton World Formula 4-stroke titles and the Dutch Rotax Max Minimax Junior championship.
Throughout his youth, VeeKay competed in various Rotax Max racing series, finishing second in the Rotax Max Euro Challenge Senior class in 2014. His early success in karting laid a strong foundation for his transition into open-wheel racing.
Path to NASCAR
VeeKay’s path led him to American open-wheel racing rather than NASCAR. He signed with Pabst Racing to compete in the USF2000 Championship, where he tested at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and secured consistent top-ten finishes. In 2017, he won six races and finished second in the USF2000 championship.
He then progressed to the Pro Mazda Championship with Juncos Racing, winning the 2018 title. In 2019, VeeKay stepped up to the Indy Lights series with Juncos Racing and finished second in the championship, further proving his readiness for the IndyCar Series.
Rinus VeeKay Career
Early Career (2009–2019)
Rinus VeeKay’s early career was marked by rapid progression through karting and junior open-wheel series. His karting career from 2009 to 2015 included multiple championships and podium finishes. Transitioning to formula racing, he competed in the USF2000, Pro Mazda, and Indy Lights series, achieving race wins and strong championship finishes.
His 2018 Pro Mazda Championship win with Juncos Racing was a key milestone, followed by a runner-up finish in the 2019 Indy Lights championship, setting the stage for his IndyCar debut.
IndyCar Series Breakthrough (2020–Present)
In 2019, VeeKay was announced as a test driver for Ed Carpenter Racing and officially signed with the team for the 2020 IndyCar season. His rookie year included challenges such as crashes and mechanical issues but also saw his first top-five finish and podium at the Harvest GP. He earned the 2020 IndyCar Rookie of the Year award.
In 2021, VeeKay won the GMR Grand Prix, his first IndyCar victory, finishing five seconds ahead of Romain Grosjean. He demonstrated strong championship form before a clavicle fracture caused him to miss a race. He re-signed with Ed Carpenter Racing for subsequent seasons, finishing thirteenth in the 2024 championship with a best race finish of fifth.
In 2025, VeeKay joined Dale Coyne Racing full-time, scoring his first podium with the team at the Grand Prix of Toronto. However, he parted ways with Dale Coyne Racing after the season. It was announced he would drive for Juncos Hollinger Racing in 2026.
Driving Style and Strengths
Rinus VeeKay is known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, excelling on road and street courses. His racecraft and ability to maintain pace under pressure have earned him multiple podiums and a race win. His partnerships with various teams have helped him develop strategic skills and adaptability in the highly competitive IndyCar environment.
Notable Races and Milestones
VeeKay’s signature victory came at the 2021 GMR Grand Prix, marking his first IndyCar win. He has also achieved multiple podium finishes, including a second place at the 2025 Grand Prix of Toronto. His rookie season top-five finishes and overcoming injuries demonstrate resilience and potential for future success.
Rinus VeeKay Career Wins
Rinus VeeKay has secured notable wins primarily in the IndyCar Series, highlighted by his victory at the 2021 GMR Grand Prix. His career includes multiple podiums and consistent top-ten finishes across various open-wheel series.
IndyCar Series Highlights
VeeKay’s first IndyCar win at the 2021 GMR Grand Prix was a breakthrough moment, establishing him as a competitive driver in the series. He has continued to build on this success with several podium finishes, including a second place at the 2025 Grand Prix of Toronto. His rookie year performance earned him the 2020 IndyCar Rookie of the Year award.
Other Wins & Performances
Before IndyCar, VeeKay won the 2018 Pro Mazda Championship and achieved multiple victories in USF2000 and karting championships. These early career successes laid the groundwork for his advancement to top-tier open-wheel racing.
Rinus VeeKay Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Rinus VeeKay’s family background and racing lineage are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Information regarding Rinus VeeKay’s personal life, including marital status and family, is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Rinus VeeKay competed full-time with Dale Coyne Racing in the IndyCar Series. He achieved his first podium finish with the team at the Grand Prix of Toronto, showcasing his ability to adapt to a new environment. Despite this success, VeeKay and the team parted ways after the season.
Looking ahead, VeeKay is set to join Juncos Hollinger Racing for the 2026 season, aiming to build on his experience and continue his progression in the series. His 2025 season demonstrated resilience and competitiveness, positioning him well for future challenges.
