Juncos Hollinger Racing is intensifying its efforts ahead of the 2026 IndyCar season, aiming to build on its growing presence with Chevrolet-powered cars. The team’s preparation involves refining its lineup and engineering operations to improve results following a period of steady development throughout the past several seasons.
Leadership and Technical Expertise Behind the Team’s Progress
Racing operations at Juncos Hollinger Racing are led by two key figures with extensive Formula 1 backgrounds. Team Principal Dave O’Neill, who joined just before the 2024 season, brings prior experience as a team manager for Jordan, Marussia, and Haas. Supporting him, Technical Director David Brown came on board prior to 2025, contributing more than two decades as an F1 race engineer for Williams, McLaren, and Jordan, and later gaining multi-series engineering experience in the U.S. Their leadership strengthens the team’s technical foundation, helping to elevate its competitiveness on the IndyCar circuit.
Rinus VeeKay: A Driver Returning Home to Juncos Hollinger Racing
One of the standout moves for 2026 is the return of Dutch driver Rinus VeeKay, who will drive car No. 76. VeeKay previously spent part of his early career in the Juncos Hollinger Racing system and is familiar with the team’s culture and operations. The 25-year-old has achieved notable feats, including winning seven times and earning six poles on his way to the 2018 USF Pro Championship. In his lone season in INDY NXT by Firestone, he displayed strong consistency with six wins and 14 podiums, finishing second overall.
VeeKay’s experience includes seven seasons in the NTT INDYCAR Series with several milestones: a first victory on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in 2021, two poles, and a total of four podium finishes. Most of his success came while driving Chevrolet-powered cars, underscoring his comfort and familiarity with the manufacturer’s engines. He will be supported by his strategist Dave O’Neill, race engineer Townsend Lucas, and crew chief Adam Farrer. The team’s chemistry is already building, with VeeKay having visited the shop frequently during pre-season preparations.
“Yes, there’s definitely a few faces that I recognize from that time. Not too many, though. There’s been a lot of changes. But no, it’s been really good within the team so far. I’ve been in the shop a few times a week doing pit stops with the guys and just talking about life, which is a great way to get to know everybody. Yeah, I feel like I’ve got a good connection with my crew already, and within the engineering office, as well. I feel like we are ready for our first days on track. I already feel like I’ve been at this team for a while.” – Rinus VeeKay, Driver
“Yeah, it still felt like an INDYCAR. It wasn’t completely different. It is nice to be back, though. I’ve spent so much time with Chevy power in the past that it’s just nice to be back, nice to use all the namings for all the tools that are in my head instead of just getting confused every time. That’s very nice. Of course, I’ll find the biggest change of going back to Chevy when we go out on track.” – Rinus VeeKay, Driver
Sting Ray Robb: Building Consistency for a Stronger 2026 Season
Joining VeeKay in 2026 is Sting Ray Robb, a 24-year-old driver from Payette, Idaho. Robb, who will pilot car No. 77, enters his fourth season in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and his first returning to the same team, providing a chance for greater continuity. Over the 2025 season, Robb improved his performance by finishing ahead of his starting position in 14 of 17 races, gaining 45 spots overall—the fourth highest advancement across the series.
Robb’s track record includes seven wins and 17 podium placements during his time in Juncos Hollinger Racing’s ladder system, notably clinching the 2020 USF Pro 2000 title. His 2026 campaign will benefit from guidance by Technical Director David Brown and strategic calls from owner Ricardo Juncos. Stability in the team’s mechanics and engineering group improves the foundation for better results, and Robb aims to sharpen qualifying and race performances.
“There hasn’t been a lot of turnover, thankfully. Mechanics-wise we have a solid group. I think we were one of the most reliable teams in the series last year, so that was really good to see. But our engineering staff has been what it was as last year, pretty much. I will, I think, be working with someone new, same person on the team but someone new to me on my car, which is fun. But yeah, the staff, they’re working well together, I think. The continuity from last year — I think to be fair, there was a few guys that were lost at the beginning of last season, went to other teams, and there was a bit of recovery to be done because of that. I think having the same group held together year to year is going to be a huge advantage.” – Sting Ray Robb, Driver
“Yeah, qualifying is hugely important. You see issues with cars all the time where they can come from the back of the field. My race at Long Beach, I think we started 17th or 18th at that event and finished where we did. It’s not impossible by any means. But I did have my best qualifying results of the year last year. It’s just the consistency wasn’t there. I think just building that consistency in is probably our biggest focus this year. Still have those key performances that move us forward, but if we can build in that consistency and shrink that window of performance down, so to speak, I think that’s the key part of what we need to be able to do.” – Sting Ray Robb, Driver
Balancing Life Off the Track: Robb’s Home Projects and New Responsibilities
Outside of racing, Robb and his wife Molly are settling into their home in Indianapolis, recently acquired and undergoing renovations. The couple has embraced a unique farmstead lifestyle, raising chickens on their property while adapting to life as homeowners. These personal developments provide a grounding balance amid the intense demands of the racing season.
“Home remodeling has been fun. It’s nice being a homeowner. Molly and I, we’ve been settling in as much as we can in Indy. Obviously, she’s a local, so that’s been nice. We’ve got some chickens at home that we’ve been taking care of, so learning how to take care of chickens, having our own little farmstead going on here in Indianapolis has been good. Working on little things here and there. The racing season is coming up close so, Molly has a honey to-do list for me just about every day when I get home, which is nice. I’ve got things to do.” – Sting Ray Robb, Driver
“Getting them not to peck each other. You never heard of the pecking order? I didn’t realize this was a thing. I thought it was just like a fun phrase. It’s a real thing.” – Sting Ray Robb, Driver
Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Broader Impact and Future Prospects
Juncos Hollinger Racing’s efforts to enhance their 2026 campaign build on a history of nurturing talent and climbing the ranks within the IndyCar sphere. With seasoned leadership from Dave O’Neill and David Brown, combined with drivers like VeeKay and Robb who have roots in their system, the team is well positioned to elevate its performance. Their focus on continuity in personnel and strategic development is crucial as they look to convert experience into results.
The 2026 season represents an important milestone for the team, balancing a deep technical foundation with drivers who bring familiarity and hunger to improve. How the team will perform against the highly competitive field remains to be seen, but the blend of experience, leadership, and preparation offers a hopeful outlook for fans and stakeholders alike.
