INDIANAPOLIS — It’s extremely difficult to make it to the IndyCar Series, the highest class of open-wheel racing America has to offer. It can be just as hard to stay in the series.
Going into his first season in the series, 22-year-old Dennis Hauger aims to prove he’s worthy of sticking around.
Hauger, a Norwegian native, is one of three rookies in 2026 alongside former F1 driver Mick Schumacher and Caio Collet. Hauger will drive the No. 18 car for Dale Coyne Racing after he won Indy NXT, IndyCar’s developmental series, in 2025. Hauger won six Indy NXT races last year to win the championship over Callot, who’s driving for AJ Foyt Racing.
After just one season in Indy NXT, Hauger’s making the jump up to the main series. Hauger had never raced in an American series a year ago, but now he’s on the biggest stage.
“I'm happy that I got some experience with Indy NXT before going into IndyCar,” Hauger said at IndyCar content days on Tuesday. “I think that makes me more prepared for this year, knowing most of the tracks. … I think I learned a lot of things that I can bring with me into the future.”
Hauger will be in Phoenix on Feb. 17 and 18 for preseason testing. He hopes the experience at Phoenix Raceway’s oval assists him before the season begins with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1.
Since testing at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in October, when he also topped the timing charts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Hauger has endured up to two physical training sessions a day and reviewed “tons of videos” to prepare for the season. Dale Coyne Racing’s technical alliance with Andretti Global for 2026 has helped Hauger get ready for this new challenge.
“I think the work we've done with Dale Coyne Racing, also with the partnership with Andretti, I think we'll be good,” Hauger said. “It's just about doing the work as I've done in Indy NXT, doing the prep work, staying on top of things. Keep my feet on the ground and just do the work, I think that's going to be the main thing. We'll see how we get on.”
Hauger is on a team by himself, as Dale Coyne Racing has yet to announce who will drive its No. 51 car this season. With no active drivers on the team, Hauger said he’s talked with Kyle Kirkwood – who’s entering his fifth full IndyCar season – for guidance.
Hauger doesn’t seem to believe that not having a teammate for the time being will hurt him or Dale Coyne Racing. He’s ready to embrace whoever joins him, whenever that may be.
“Honestly, for me, it doesn't matter too much,” Hauger said. “I've been working with myself, what I need to do, as I did last year in Indy NXT. Not focusing too much on the stuff around (that) I can't control. For me, whoever it's going to be, I'm sure I will be in good hands. Hopefully, it will be someone I can fight with well in terms of looking at data. Just gives you more access, obviously, to adapt and evolve and learn as a driver in my first IndyCar season.”
Hauger was excellent in his brief Indy NXT stint, and he hopes to have that run translated to IndyCar. He’ll look to outshine Collet and Schumacher in the hunt for this season’s rookie of the year.
Zion Brown is IndyStar's motorsports reporter. Follow him at @z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar's motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyCar news: Rookie Dennis Hauger prepares for first Dale Coyne Racing season
