Coyne blames communication breakdown for Hauger's departure: 'I think he got spooked'

Dale Coyne wasn’t expecting to go IndyCar racing next season without his Rookie of the Year Dennis Hauger.

Plans were being made to elevate the Norwegian to Coyne’s lead car and pair him with new Indy NXT champion Nikita Johnson, but without their signatures on contracts, the Illinois-based team owner believes Hauger got spooked and opted to leave and take the leadership role with AJ Foyt Racing.

“It wasn't on my bingo card,” Coyne told RACER. “I think he got nervous.”

Rumors of former Coyne driver Sting Ray Robb returning and buying the seat intended for Hauger is where Coyne thinks the confusion emerged.

“He was never out of a ride here, and so I think a little more communication there would’ve helped make different decisions,” he said. “But nonetheless, it happened, and we'll be fine.”

Coyne’s back to a familiar position where he’s got the No. 18 Honda that was earmarked for Hauger and the No. 19 Honda to fill for 2027.

“We've got good drivers lined up,” he said. “I think you'll be pretty surprised when you see our drivers. I don't really want to say more than that right now. We've got a short list of about four guys. But it'll be done. It’ll be done in two weeks.”