When one thinks of longevity in motorsports, Dale Coyne and his race team come immediately to mind. The team, which began competition in the former CART series, has been a stalwart of open wheel racing, even when money and success were hard to come by.
It took twenty-five years for Dale Coyne Racing to notch its first victory, with Justin Wilson in just their second year of IndyCar competition at Watkins Glen. Along the way, more victories would come thanks to Wilson at Texas, as well as Mike Conway at Detroit and Carlos Huertas at Houston. The last of those wins came halfway through 2014, however, leaving unstable ground for the Honda team.
2015 was a year of many changes in the cockpit for DCR. Eight drivers would take time behind the wheel of the two Coyne machines, which also struggled to find consistent sponsorship. Pay drivers such as Francesco Dracone and Rodolfo Gonzalez brought some money to the team, but they were unable to replicate the wins of previous years. Tristan Vautier, who ran the most races with the team with ten, also notched their highest finish of the season in fourth at Detroit.
Stability has not been something Coyne has found with his drivers until right before the season begins. But for 2016, some things have found a way to change. Conor Daly has been announced as a full-time driver with the team, and has a full season sponsor on board the car with Jonathan Byrd’s Hospitality. Coyne even joked at the announcement that the second driver would not be announced until “the Thursday before the opening race.” But he would confirm also a four-car assault for the 100th Indianapolis 500, including Bryan Clauson.
The more things change at Dale Coyne Racing, the more they stay the same. While one driver is secure for the full season, the team continues to wait to confirm the completion of their lineup for 2016.
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