Dale Coyne Racing Battles Through Adversity at Monterey

Rinus VeeKay – No. 18 askROI, Dale Coyne Racing Honda

Starting the race in P17, VeeKay made multiple passes on the opening lap to put the Dutchman in P13 after Lap 1.

Running clean laps, VeeKay gained another position, putting him P12 when the Lap 11 caution flew.

Deciding to pit during this caution, the Dale Coyne crew put on black tires, putting VeeKay 2nd on this alternative strategy.

While running consistent lap times and holding position, VeeKay was hit in the rear by another competitor, sending him into the gravel and unable to move. This would send VeeKay 2 laps down, ending his chances at a successful day.

Pitting for new tires and checking damage, the Coyne crew saw floor damage that was unable to be fixed. Electing to stay on track to salvage any points possible but slightly off pace due to the damage.

Determined not to give up, even if unable to pass or defend due to the command blue ruling, VeeKay ran the remaining laps, pitting on Lap 53 and 77 for alternate tires and full fuel.

The decision to push through the adversity paid off in the end, gaining 1 position and additional points salvaging any points possible and maximizing an unfortunate situation.

Post-Race Quote:
"Today started out good, strategy would have been good, the pitting under that second yellow and shaving a pit stop off was good, we had good pace moving forward, good at the start up to 12th, we were moving hard, getting people on strategy at that point until I got hit in the back pretty aggressively, got stuck and beached, so couldn't do much. Had floor damage. We finished the race and got a few points for finishing and that's about all. It's unfortunate, we had good pace, I think a top 10 or 5 was there, and just a bummer that stuff like this happens. Nothing we could do. That's racing at the end. Sometimes you're the victim of others' mistakes. The 18 and askROI crew gave me a good car to fight at the front edge of the field. Felt strong, felt dominant but unfortunately a passenger. Looking forward to the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland my sponsor's race! Weekend off to regroup for the last right turns of the season and ready to keep doing what we have been doing this season and maximize our performances."

Jacob Abel – No. 51 Abel Construction, Dale Coyne Racing Honda

Starting from P21, Abel focused on having a clean start, trying not to be caught up in any Lap 1 incidents.

Staying clean on the opening laps and moving up the field, Abel ended Lap 1 in P19.

Staying out on the Lap 1 yellow, Abel began to settle into the race.

With his tires coming up to temperature, Abel ran his fastest lap of the race on Lap 10, pushing to try and gain more track position.

On Lap 11, Abel experienced a mechanical issue in Turn 2, forcing the rookie into the wall ending what was a promising day.

Post-Race Quote:
"We had such good pace, we were moving up the field when a mechanical issue ended my day in Turn 2. It's tough, we had good pace all weekend but we just couldn't finish the weekend off. I think this week off before Portland will be a good reset for everybody. We have 3 more weekends to show just how good our pace can be. We all just need to execute and maximize our days."