At just 23 years old, Rinus VeeKay has already embarked on his fifth season in North America’s premier open-wheel championship, the IndyCar Series. While his previous season may have been statistically his worst, VeeKay sees it as an opportunity for growth and development, both as a driver and as a leader within his team.
Last year was undeniably challenging for VeeKay, with only two top 10 finishes and a 14th place finish in the final standings. However, rather than letting these setbacks define him, VeeKay used them as fuel to work even harder and become more assertive within his team. He stated, “With it being our toughest, hardest season so far, it made me work harder and also made me change my voice a little bit in the team and made my voice a bit more demanding, I think.”
Amidst the struggles of the 2023 season, VeeKay also experienced a midseason driver swap within his team. Conor Daly was replaced by Ryan Hunter-Reay, a veteran with an impressive racing career, including an IndyCar championship and an Indianapolis 500 victory. While the impact of this swap undoubtedly influenced VeeKay’s growth, his natural maturity on and off the track also played a significant role.
As VeeKay enters his fifth season, he not only feels more confident in his own abilities, but he also wants to become a mentor to the incoming rookie and reigning Indy NXT champion, Christian Rasmussen. VeeKay’s previous experiences alongside more experienced drivers have prepared him for this leadership role, and he believes he has what it takes to guide the team towards success.
VeeKay stated, “I’ve always had a more experienced driver next to me. I still have Ed on the ovals, but I feel like I got the experience to carry the team and know what we need to do as a team to get better, also during a race weekend, and I know how to adapt to get better.” His confidence is reflected in his one IndyCar Series win on the IMS Road Course in 2021.
VeeKay attributes much of his growth and preparation for leadership to his former teammate, Ryan Hunter-Reay. Observing Hunter-Reay’s meticulous approach to racing, VeeKay adopted a similar mindset. He began carrying a notebook, jotting down thoughts, analyzing them, and striving to be as prepared as possible for every race.
VeeKay remarked, “The preparation with Ryan, that he really showed me, he would have a whole notebook of things he thought about at night that popped up in his head, and he wrote it down and analyzed it and thought about it even more. Stuff like that I had never done.” This newfound level of preparation enhanced VeeKay’s confidence and decision-making abilities on track.
With a strengthened voice within the team and a newfound sense of leadership, VeeKay is ready to take on new challenges and guide his team towards success. The combination of his own experiences and the trust placed in him by his incoming teammate, Christian Rasmussen, sets the stage for an exciting and promising season.
As VeeKay evolves as a driver and leader, he acknowledges that his perspectives and approach to racing will continue to change. With each passing season, VeeKay embraces new opportunities for growth, both on and off the track. As he continues to learn and adapt, Rinus VeeKay will undoubtedly continue to leave his mark on the world of IndyCar racing.
Rinus VeeKay’s journey in the IndyCar Series has been one of perseverance, growth, and evolving leadership. Despite the challenges he has faced, VeeKay remains determined to make a mark in the sport. His ability to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth and his dedication to learning from experienced teammates highlight his potential for a bright future in IndyCar. As VeeKay continues to evolve and lead, we can expect to witness his continued rise in the world of open-wheel racing.
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